Various buzzwords in finance have been used interchangeably in different settings. However, one might reply that sometimes there may be a very thin line between proper and erroneous employment of such phrases, but in finance, correctness matters everything. One such combination that tops the list is inventory Management Software and Stock Management Software. These two could seem to be strongly associated but are a world apart in their actual meaning, particularly regarding their context or value.
One is for the accounting audience, while the other is for the business world, particularly the firm’s sales department, due to its direct effect on the company’s income. Also, one is more towards the costing side of value, while the other is more market-driven regarding valuation in monetary terms.
Here are the 5 Things you should know
Both inventory Management Software and Stock Management Software are popular options on the market; nevertheless, there are some key differences between “Inventory” and “Stock” that need to be understood.
- The difference between stock and inventory is that stock only includes completed goods whereas inventory also includes raw materials and work in progress. Inventory accounting is done on a quarterly basis, whereas stock accounting is done on a day-to-day basis as a general rule. Inventory accounting is done on a quarterly basis.
- The amount of inventory must be kept at an ideal level, where an optimal level is defined as the level at which one may maximize their profits. Although having no stock at all would be the ideal situation, the corporation should nevertheless generate enough to fulfil the requirements of the target audience.
- The final goods, the work-in-progress products, and the raw materials that are utilized to manufacture the finished products and the work-in-progress products are all included in the inventory. At the same time, the term “stock” may be used to refer to any kind of product that the firm sells to its clients in order to make money.
- When it comes to valuation, inventory is more often employed in an actuarial sense as opposed to a commercial context, while stock is more commonly utilized in more modern contexts.
- The valuation of inventory is often done just before the beginning of the financial reporting period ends, but stock audits are often performed at relatively regular intervals, and they may even be performed on a daily basis sometimes.
Comparison Between Inventory and Stock
Definition
Inventory refers to the worth of a total of completed items, work-in-progress products, and raw materials. Stock refers to the things sold that might be in any shape to the client.
Context
In Inventory, It is used in an accounting environment. But in Stock, Business people utilize it since it directly impacts the company’s bottom line.
Valuation
When inventory is valued, the firm uses FIFO, LIFO, and average cost techniques to account for the costs spent by the company. But at Stock, The price is at which it is sold to consumers, or its “market value,” determines its worth.
Frequency
It is appraised right before the conclusion of a financial reporting period. It is appraised seldom as opposed to Stock. In Stock, It is appraised at relatively regular intervals and sometimes even daily.
Example
Inventory, Cars, as well as replacement parts, are offered by a car dealer to its clients. Stock, Biscuits sold by a biscuit manufacturing firm to its consumers