Observation

Majority of the candidates avoided this question and the few that attempted it performed fairly.

(a)        Qualities of a good stock control system:

(i)     speed and accuracy;
(ii)    good communication channels;
(iii)    economy in operation ;
(iv)    centralization of control;
(v)    accessibility of information by store staff;
(vi)    flexibility;
(vii)    it reduces discrepancy between stock records and physical stock;
(viii)   it must be regularly updated;
(ix)   it must have a reliable backup and quality support.

(b)        Advantages of computerized stock record system

(i)       It increases the quality of the information produced as a result of the computer ability to update stock records immediately.
(ii)       It economizes the use of space and storage facilities by eliminating system of bulky files and stock bin cards.
(iii)      It helps to improve access to information stored in relation to store management and related operations.
(iv)      It requires less staff than a manual system which employs large number of staff thereby reducing labour cost.
(v)      It ensures overall increase in management control of the stores operation.
(vi)      It minimizes high stock level which ensures reduction in overall levels of stock.
(vii)     It is a good option for business dealing with different types of stock.
(viii)     It is more flexible and information is easier to retrieve.