Stock management is a fundamental process for any company, which consists of monitoring and controlling the available inventory, ensuring adequate supply to meet market demand and, at the same time, being able to reduce costs. Traditionally, stock management involved manual procedures and spreadsheets, however, nowadays, stock management is undergoing a significant evolution thanks to the use of advanced technologies that have transformed this process.

Digitization in stock management involves the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to automate, integrate and optimize all phases of the inventory cycle. ERP management software, Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT and cloud-based management systems are the fundamental basis on which digitization in inventory management is based.

This digitization process offers a wide range of benefits for SMEs. Digitized stock management systems provide inventory control, allowing companies to have accurate visibility of inventory at any time. This contributes to improved operational efficiency. These systems enable more accurate production planning and scheduling, facilitate supply chain management and improve the ability to respond quickly to changes in demand.

Another important benefit is inventory optimization. Digitization enables data analysis, which facilitates the identification of demand patterns and market trends. With this information, companies can adjust their inventory levels more accurately, avoiding overstocking and reducing storage and spoilage costs.

A very relevant element in inventory management is the Key Performance Indicators or KPIs. With these indicators it is possible to have an objective and accurate evaluation of a company's performance. By providing concrete and measurable data, they enable management to make informed and strategic decisions to optimize efficiency, reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction. The level of inventory turnover, total units in stock or the number of weekly sales are some of the most important indicators.

In this regard, there are several tools available on the market (Holded, Dolibarr, Oddo Inventory) that allow inventory management and detailed inventory tracking. These tools allow the automation of many tasks based on available stock levels. In addition, they are affordable and adaptable to the different needs of each SME.

In summary, digitization in stock management has proven to be a very positive strategy for SMEs. By automating, integrating and optimizing all phases of the inventory cycle, from product reception to final delivery, an entire improvement of the different operations and processes that a company that manages stock can achieve.