With the right stock-taking scanner, stock levels can be recorded efficiently, systematically and reliably. Medium-sized retail businesses in particular often face the challenge of carrying out stock-taking in a cost-effective manner whilst minimising the time required. In this article, we explain why our stock-taking scanner hire service is particularly well-suited to retail businesses and what benefits this brings to day-to-day stock-taking operations.

Retailers often face similar challenges when taking stock. Stock-taking is frequently still carried out manually using lists and a pen, which is time-consuming and prone to errors. Mobile stock-taking scanners automatically scan barcodes and transfer data digitally to the stock management system. This significantly reduces the time taken to take stock and ensures greater accuracy. Modern handheld scanners operate wirelessly (via Wi-Fi or mobile networks) and allow for flexible stock-taking in warehouses, sales areas or branches. For retail businesses, using such devices makes sense even for smaller stock quantities, as it significantly reduces effort and paperwork and ensures that stock levels are always reliably traceable.

Inventory scanners for industrial use must meet certain specifications. A robust design (e.g. protection against dust and splashes) is essential, as the devices must withstand harsh conditions in warehouses or in the field. Long battery life allows for several days of inventory work without interruption. The scanners should be able to read 1D and 2D barcodes accurately – some modern handheld scanners can even recognise damaged or poorly printed codes. Display size and user interface are important factors: touchscreen devices work like smartphones and are user-friendly. Network connectivity is also crucial: via Wi-Fi or an optional mobile connection (LTE/5G), count data can be transmitted to a central cloud in real time. ERP-independent, cloud-based inventory software supports data collection without major installation effort. Overall, ease of use is crucial for retailers so that staff can operate the scanner without extensive training.

There are a number of mobile handheld scanners on the market that have proven their worth as inventory management devices for retail businesses. These devices look like modern smartphones but are designed for industrial use. They feature fast processors, durable casings and precise barcode scanners. Many models offer a hot-swap battery function (battery replacement during operation) as well as additional features such as programmable buttons or an integrated camera. Such scanners generally offer good value for money and come with pre-installed inventory software, meaning they are ready for immediate use. For simple applications, a scanner app on a standard smartphone is also an option, but for professional stock-taking with high scan volumes, dedicated MDE devices are usually more reliable and durable.

Renting stock-taking scanners offers retailers numerous advantages over buying them:

• No major investment: there are no significant upfront costs. You only pay for the period during which you actually use the equipment.
• Flexible hire periods: Whether for a few days or several weeks, the hire period can be tailored to your inventory requirements. During seasonal peaks or special promotions, additional equipment can be booked at short notice.
• Ready to use straight away: the scanners are delivered fully pre-configured and with the necessary inventory software included. There is no need for a time-consuming setup, so the devices can be used without delay.
• Extensive range of accessories: The rental package typically includes all the necessary accessories – such as multi-port charging stations, spare batteries, cables and storage media. This ensures that equipment remains in operation even when battery changes or data transfers are required.
• Full service and support: We offer 24/7 support and, if required, a swift replacement of faulty equipment. This ensures that stock-taking runs smoothly without you having to provide your own technician.
• Predictable costs: Thanks to usage-based billing, staff and material costs remain manageable. There are no unexpected expenses for repairs or outdated technology.

The rental model allows retailers and service providers to focus more on their core business, as it reduces the organisational burden associated with hardware. Maintenance, storage and management of the inventory scanners are largely eliminated.

For retailers, renting stock-taking scanners is often the more cost-effective solution. With our rental model for inventory scanners, retailers receive modern, pre-configured devices complete with accessories and ready-to-use software. This allows inventories to be carried out quickly, accurately and without high investment costs. Benefit from flexible rental periods, predictable costs and a number of scanners tailored to your inventory needs. Find out more about our rental model for inventory scanners now.

When choosing inventory management software, you should focus not on lengthy lists of features, but on your own company’s requirements. How often do stock levels change? Do multiple sites need to operate simultaneously? Is integration with ERP or POS systems required? Do you have your own IT team? And how important are data security, offline operation and short implementation times?

It is precisely these questions that determine which inventory software is the most suitable in the long term. Two factors in particular play a key role here: should the solution be cloud-based or run on-premises? And is real-time inventory data required, or is batch processing sufficient?

Cloud-based inventory software is particularly well suited to retailers who want to get up and running quickly and do not wish to set up their own server infrastructure. The main advantage lies in its flexibility. New locations, additional devices or project-specific stock-takes can be integrated much more easily.

Rollouts across multiple branches can also be managed efficiently. At the same time, the effort involved in installation, maintenance and updates is reduced.

With Stripes, we have deliberately opted for a cloud-based solution that is quick to set up and can be flexibly adapted to projects of varying sizes. This allows stock-takes to be monitored centrally and coordinated efficiently – whether they involve individual sites or large retail networks.

Locally installed or so-called on-premises solutions are run directly on the IT infrastructure. This model is particularly suitable for retailers with their own server infrastructure or specific internal requirements.

The advantage lies in having complete control over systems, data and update schedules. At the same time, however, the technical workload increases. Maintenance, data backup and system upkeep must be organised internally.

Many retailers are therefore now deliberately opting for cloud-based models in order to reduce the burden on their own IT systems and be able to respond more quickly to new requirements.

Real-time inventory software processes stock data immediately as the stock-take is underway. Progress and changes are visible straight away. This ensures significantly greater transparency, particularly during branch stock-takes or when multiple teams are working in parallel.

With Stripes, stock-takes can be monitored in real time. The integrated monitoring system allows progress, data quality and reports to be managed centrally. This enables problems or discrepancies to be identified at an early stage.

Real-time monitoring is a key advantage, particularly in the retail sector or during large-scale stock-taking projects, for coordinating processes efficiently.

Not every stock-taking exercise requires continuous real-time processing. Many retailers continue to operate successfully using batch processes. In this approach, data is collected and processed at a later time – for example, after individual counting sessions or at the end of a stock-taking day.

This model is particularly suitable for scheduled or periodic stock-taking. The technical effort involved is often minimal and the processes are clearly structured.

However, this approach lacks direct transparency during the inventory process. This is why purely batch-based processes are more likely to reach their limits, particularly when dealing with multiple sites or dynamic stock levels.

With Stripes, we offer inventory management software designed specifically for flexible and project-based stock-taking. Our solution is cloud-based, pre-configured and ready to use at short notice. Retail businesses can use the inventory management software on a subscription basis – with no long-term commitment and without the need for complex implementation projects.

Key features include:

• Real-time monitoring of all stock-takes
• Barcode-based, item-specific recording
• Use independent of ERP systems
• Can be used even without a constant internet connection
• Flexible scaling for projects of varying sizes
• Optional pre-configured stock-taking scanners
• Customised reports and analyses

This makes Stripes particularly suitable for branch stock-takes, roll-outs, expansions, peak periods or project-based stock-takes involving changing teams and locations.

The best inventory management software is always the solution that best suits your own processes. Today, cloud-based systems offer particular advantages in terms of flexibility, scalability and rapid deployment. On-premises solutions can be a sensible option when companies require maximum control over their infrastructure.

When it comes to data processing, too, it all depends on the intended use. Real-time solutions provide transparency and make it easier to manage complex stock-taking operations. Batch processes, on the other hand, remain a viable solution for stock-taking operations that can be planned in advance.

With Stripes, we offer modern stock-taking software that is specifically designed for flexible, scalable and efficiently manageable stock-taking processes.

Cloud-based inventory software is becoming increasingly important in many businesses. Cloud-based solutions are being used more and more frequently, particularly in retail, warehouses and multi-site operations. This trend is driven by changing requirements for inventory processes and the increasing digitalisation of business operations. The following article explains the differences between cloud-based and on-premises solutions and highlights why cloud-based inventory software is gaining relevance in many sectors.

From a technical perspective, cloud-based inventory software follows a centralised operating model. The application, data storage and large parts of the underlying infrastructure are provided and maintained by the provider. Users log in online and work with the latest version without having to set up local servers or go to the trouble of distributing software packages. Typical features of cloud-based software include access via the internet, automatic updates and a reduced need for in-house hardware and technical maintenance. With locally installed software, by contrast, the technical burden falls much more heavily on the company itself: servers, operating systems, extensions, updates and many support tasks must be organised and managed internally.

When it comes to stock-taking, it is not only crucial that the count is carried out, but also how quickly and transparently the results are made available. Cloud-based stock-taking solutions provide a centralised overview of stock levels, progress and anomalies in real time. This allows stock-taking processes to be coordinated across multiple sites and developments to be tracked immediately whilst the stock-take is in progress. This significantly simplifies the management and analysis of stock-takes, particularly for retail chains, warehouses and distributed teams.

In a direct comparison, there is therefore a strong case for cloud-based inventory software. It generally starts up faster, as there is no need to set up your own server infrastructure. It is more flexible, as new locations, users or groups of devices can be integrated more easily. It is usually more cost-effective in day-to-day use, as ongoing maintenance, updates and parts of the technical operations do not have to be organised entirely in-house. And it is significantly more practical for distributed inventory teams, as managers from different locations can access the same database. On-premises software can still be a sensible option if maximum control over the infrastructure or very specific requirements are the priority. For many retail-related inventory processes, however, the advantages of the cloud outweigh the disadvantages: lower IT costs, better accessibility, faster scalability and standardised processes across multiple locations.

Our Stripes software solution enables the practical implementation of the benefits of cloud-based inventory processes. Stripes has already been deployed in more than 4,000 projects and processes over 180 million scans per year. Our cloud-based solution allows for real-time monitoring of progress, problem areas and quality via the dashboard, and is designed for small shops as well as warehouses, retail chains and franchise structures. Another practical advantage is file-based data exchange, which eliminates the need for a direct ERP connection and reduces the integration effort. Furthermore, scanner fleets can be managed centrally across multiple sites, whilst existing MDE devices and hand-held scanners can continue to be used. The solution is complemented by a 24/7 premium service to support day-to-day operations.

Cloud-based inventory software works differently from on-premises software, primarily because it is hosted centrally, is easier to scale, and can be deployed across multiple sites more quickly. This is a tangible advantage for most inventory projects in retail, warehouses and multi-site operations. Stripes offers a solution that translates real-time visibility, minimal IT overhead and centralised control into practical benefits for day-to-day inventory management.

In retail, structured barcode and scanner processes are essential for capturing products quickly and accurately. Small businesses therefore need inventory software that reliably manages stock levels, can be deployed at short notice and works without extensive IT requirements. Stripes meets these needs with a cloud-based solution that does not require mandatory ERP integration, offers a live dashboard, supports compatible mobile data capture devices and includes a flexible rental model particularly suited for small stores, branch locations and warehouses.

Small retail businesses primarily need reliable inventory data, clear workflows and as little additional effort as possible during inventory counting. Companies that still rely on manual stock recording or inconsistent processes quickly lose time and visibility. Inventory software therefore becomes especially valuable when it supports barcode-based stock recording, provides centralized data access and offers transparent progress tracking. This is particularly important for small retailers because accurate stock levels are the foundation for efficient reordering, stable operations and cost-effective business management.

Many standard systems are only partially suitable for small retailers. They are often designed for larger ERP environments, involve additional IT effort or require lengthy implementation projects. Small businesses, however, need something different: a solution that can be deployed quickly, requires minimal internal IT resources and works without extensive training. In addition, overstock and stock shortages can negatively impact profit margins. Small retailers therefore benefit more from a streamlined solution that is easy to use and provides operational transparency rather than from a technically overloaded all-in-one system.

This is exactly where Stripes comes in. The software is cloud-based and, according to the provider, can be used without ERP integration, making it particularly attractive for small retailers that do not want to build a complex system environment. Stripes is designed for small stores, warehouses and branch networks and supports structured inventory management with reduced organizational effort. Another advantage is that internal teams can work with the solution after only a short introduction. This significantly lowers the operational barrier because no specialized external teams or lengthy training phases are required.

Another important advantage is the practical value during daily operations. Stripes offers live monitoring via a dashboard, making progress, problem areas and quality indicators immediately visible. Data is available in real time, rework is reduced and multiple locations can be managed centrally. Stripes has already been used in more than 4,000 projects and processes over 180 million scans per year. The hardware aspect is also attractive for small retailers: existing mobile data capture devices or handheld scanners can continue to be used. This is particularly relevant as the retail sector gradually upgrades its scanner infrastructure for 2D codes.

Another advantage is the rental model. Small retail businesses often perform inventory counts not continuously, but at fixed times or during seasonal peaks. In such cases, it makes economic sense not to permanently purchase software and scanners when they are only needed temporarily. Stripes is available as a rental solution without long-term commitments, comes preconfigured and can be deployed at short notice. This reduces capital commitment, preserves liquidity and ensures predictable costs. At the same time, the scope of use can be adjusted to actual operational needs. Businesses that already own devices can often continue using them, while additional hardware can be added without immediate investment. For many small retailers, this combination of flexibility and cost control makes the decisive difference.

When businesses search for inventory software with barcode recognition to “purchase,” practical experience often shows that not every solution needs to be permanently acquired. With Stripes, a flexible rental-based inventory software solution is available that is specifically designed for periodic or project-based inventory processes.

In addition to software access, the rental model also includes project-specific configuration, monitoring, reporting and, if required, preconfigured scanner hardware. The cloud-based solution operates independently of ERP systems and is designed for barcode-based, item-level inventory recording with live monitoring. Furthermore, the software can also be used in areas without a permanent internet connection.

For practical use, this bundled approach is exactly what makes the difference. With Stripes, companies receive not just a single software license, but a complete solution tailored to their specific inventory process. This includes user and role management, master data, workflows, counting rules, dashboards, export functions, quality controls and, if required, the appropriate hardware. The result is a demand-oriented usage model that reduces capital commitment, avoids unused capacities and aligns costs more closely with actual operational needs.

The question of which inventory software is best suited for small retail businesses can therefore be answered quite clearly: the most effective solution is one that works accurately, can be implemented quickly and does not burden daily operations with unnecessary IT complexity. Stripes meets these requirements with cloud-based real-time inventory management, intuitive usability, live monitoring and a flexible rental model. Businesses looking for a practical inventory software solution for small retail structures and wanting to learn more without obligation will find in Stripes a solution that fits both the operational and economic needs of small companies.

Anyone looking for stock-taking software with integrated barcode scanning often thinks first of purchasing a permanent licence. For many companies, however, that is not the key issue. What is required by law is the taking of stock or inventory at the start of trading and at the end of the financial year – not the ownership of specialised software. At the same time, barcode scanning is now regarded as a tried-and-tested method for reducing manual data entry, speeding up data collection and improving accuracy compared to traditional, manual counting processes.

The more economically relevant question is therefore often: does the solution need to be purchased outright, or is temporary access sufficient? Modern subscription and cloud models reduce high upfront investments, enable scaling in line with demand, and shift rigid upfront costs more towards usage-based expenditure. This is precisely where a key advantage of the subscription model for inventory software lies: lower capital commitment combined with high availability.

For many retailers, stock-taking is not an ongoing project, but rather a process that takes place at regular intervals or on specific dates. This is precisely why a purely transactional approach often fails to reflect reality: usage is concentrated around stock-taking windows, branch stock-takes, rollouts or special counts – not necessarily throughout the year. Official descriptions of rental solutions for stock-taking therefore specifically cite annual branch stock-takes, project-based deployments and temporary peak periods as typical use cases.

From a business perspective, this is at the heart of the issue of capital tied up. Anyone who holds a traditional purchase licence, complete with infrastructure and reserve capacity, is financing capacity in advance – even if it remains largely unused outside of inventory periods. Rental and cloud models, on the other hand, rely on usage-based cost structures and flexible scaling. This allows high initial investments to be reduced and capacity to be provisioned as required. This is a particularly important argument against unnecessary capital tie-up, especially in the case of periodic inventories.

Good inventory software with integrated barcode scanning should not only be able to read barcodes, but also digitally map the entire inventory process. This includes mobile, item-level data capture directly at the stock location, centralised management of users, teams and devices, plausibility and completeness checks during the count, as well as reports and exports for analysis, auditing or further processing. It is precisely these functional groups that are described as standard in the product documentation of modern rental solutions for stocktaking.

Barcode scanning is a key factor in ensuring efficient and accurate stock-taking processes. By scanning barcodes, manual data entry can be reduced, data capture processes accelerated and the risk of errors minimised. For stock-taking, this means, among other things, clearer item allocation, fewer data discrepancies and faster access to count data.

The main advantage of the subscription model lies in the reduced capital commitment. Instead of investing large sums upfront in licences, servers, scanners and spare capacity, companies using a subscription or access model pay recurring fees based on usage. This not only makes it easier to plan in terms of the balance sheet and budget, but also frees up liquidity, as less capital is tied up in specialist equipment that is rarely used. Rental and cloud models focus on flexible, on-demand usage rather than long-term upfront investments.

Added to this is the speed of deployment. Cloud-based inventory solutions are often pre-configured and can be rolled out at short notice. This significantly reduces the technical and organisational effort involved in implementation. For retailers with a tight inventory window, this is a practical advantage, as implementation does not have to turn into a major IT project.

Another economic advantage lies in scalability. Cloud and subscription models make it possible to flexibly adapt capacity to actual demand. This is exactly what inventory management requires: sometimes only a few devices and users are needed, whilst at other times a large number are required simultaneously. Subscription models for inventory management software therefore offer predictable costs, flexible project sizes, temporary additional capacity, and the advantage of not having to maintain your own hardware infrastructure on a permanent basis.

Renting is particularly useful whenever demand is irregular. Typical examples include annual branch inventories with tight timeframes, site rollouts and expansions, project-based inventories carried out by service providers, and peak periods when additional scanners, users or counting capacity are required at short notice. These scenarios are explicitly cited as typical areas of application in market documentation on inventory rental models.

The underlying pattern is always the same: it is not round-the-clock availability that is the bottleneck, but rather reliable peak availability. It is precisely in this scenario that the rental model really comes into its own. Official provider descriptions refer here to scalable solutions for branch networks, seasonal peaks, changing projects, and the ability to avoid maintaining in-house equipment fleets or making hardware investments. For companies that only carry out stock-taking on specific dates, this is often the more cost-effective way to organise things.

When choosing inventory management software with barcode scanning, you don’t necessarily have to make a permanent purchase. Stripes offers inventory management software on a flexible subscription basis, which is ideal for periodic or project-based stock-taking.

In addition to software access, the rental model also includes project-specific configuration, monitoring, reporting and, if required, preconfigured scanner hardware. The cloud-based solution operates independently of ERP systems and is designed for barcode-based, item-level inventory recording with live monitoring. Furthermore, the software can also be used in areas without a permanent internet connection.

In practice, it is precisely this integrated approach that makes all the difference. With Stripes, businesses receive not just inventory management software, but a comprehensive solution tailored to their specific inventory processes. This includes ERP-independent cloud software, real-time monitoring, quality assurance, flexible services and – where required – pre-configured inventory scanners. The solution can be scaled to meet specific needs and enables companies to reduce investment in their own hardware and flexibly adapt inventory costs to actual usage.

Inventory software with integrated barcode recognition can, in principle, be purchased as a traditional perpetual licence. For many companies, however, this is not the most convincing solution to their actual needs. Barcode scanning improves data capture and helps prevent errors, whilst rental and SaaS models reduce upfront investment, make costs more predictable and provide capacity exactly when it is needed. Particularly for periodic, multi-site or project-based inventories, it is therefore not ownership of the software that is the bottleneck, but rather fast, precise and flexible access to it. Anyone who takes this logic seriously will often find that, when asking ‘Where can I buy?’, a rental model makes the most sense – and that is precisely where its business advantage lies.

Inventory software is a specialised software solution designed for the digital execution and management of stock-taking. It helps businesses with stock recording, the management of stock-taking processes, and the monitoring and analysis of count data. It is particularly useful in areas where stock is recorded on the move using scanners and where target and actual stock levels are systematically reconciled.
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It is not the software that is required by law, but the stock-taking process itself. Under section 240 of the German Commercial Code (HGB), every trader must carry out a stock-taking at the start of their business and at the end of each financial year. Section 241 of the HGB permits simplified stock-taking procedures for this purpose. For tax purposes, a stock-taking carried out promptly—generally within ten days before or after the balance sheet date—is accepted.

Inventory software does not replace this obligation, but it does digitise the operational process. Instead of handwritten lists or isolated Excel files, items are uniquely identified by barcode, scanned on mobile devices, recorded in quantities and consolidated centrally. This is precisely why barcodes are so widespread in the retail sector: they make products automatically readable by scanners and reduce the need for manual data entry.

Unlike a traditional ERP or retail management system, inventory software focuses not on the day-to-day flow of goods, but on the planning, counting, monitoring and documentation of stock-taking. This is also important for continuous stock-taking, as tax regulations require documented stock management, at least one physical stock-take per year and traceable records.

Inventory software handles various tasks relating to the planning, execution, monitoring and analysis of stock-takes:

• Mobile data capture: Modern inventory software enables mobile, item-level stock recording. Items are usually identified by barcode, scanned directly on site and processed digitally without any additional intermediate steps. This helps to reduce manual input errors and consolidate inventory data centrally.
• Centralised management: Whenever multiple teams, devices or sites are involved in an inventory, centralised management is essential. Inventory software helps to manage scanners and users centrally, whilst keeping track of progress, status and ongoing counting processes across all sites.
• Quality assurance: Inventory software is not only used for data collection, but also for monitoring the quality of the inventory. Many systems support completeness checks, plausibility checks and the early detection of anomalies during the ongoing inventory process. In addition, features such as live monitoring or exportable reports are frequently used.
• Analysis and data transfer: Once the stock-take has been completed, it must be possible to process and analyse the data collected. This includes dashboards, reports and flexible export and interface options for exchanging data with other systems. It is important that the stock-take data can be provided in a structured and traceable format.

A rental model can be particularly useful when stock-takes are carried out at fixed intervals or on a project-by-project basis. Cloud-based and pre-configured stock-taking software can often be deployed at short notice and, in many cases, does not require extensive installation work. For businesses that carry out regular branch stock-takes or recurring special counts, this can reduce the organisational and technical preparation required.

Other benefits include predictable costs and the ability to adapt flexibly to projects of varying sizes. Many cloud-based inventory management solutions can also be used without a constant internet connection and can be combined with suitable hardware where required. Thanks to the cloud-based system architecture, there is often no need for a dedicated on-premises IT infrastructure.

For many businesses, this is the key consideration: those who only carry out stock-taking on specific dates often do not need permanently licensed specialist software or their own fleet of devices. A rental solution is therefore particularly well suited to temporary stock-takes, seasonal peaks and projects of varying sizes.

With Stripes, we offer inventory management software on a subscription basis, designed for barcode-based, item-level tracking with real-time monitoring. The solution is cloud-based and can be used independently of existing ERP systems and without the need for a dedicated on-premises IT infrastructure.

The scope of services includes software access, project-specific configuration, and centralised monitoring and reporting functions. This includes, amongst other things, the management of users and roles, the integration of master data, the definition of workflows and counting rules, as well as project-specific customisations in line with the relevant requirements.

In addition, we provide a central dashboard that allows inventory processes to be monitored in real time. Progress, data quality and reports can be viewed and exported on an ongoing basis. This is particularly useful for managing large-scale inventory projects, branch structures and internal control processes.

Depending on the scope of the project, the inventory software can be combined with pre-configured inventory scanners and suitable accessories. Additional features include offline use, flexible configuration options, integrated quality controls, file-based data exchange and support for large fleets of devices.

Inventory software on a subscription basis is particularly suitable for annual branch inventories with clearly defined timeframes, site roll-outs, expansions and project-based inventories carried out by service providers. Flexible provision of software and hardware can also be beneficial during temporary peak periods with a higher volume of counts.

For retail chains, centralised management across multiple sites is essential. For inventory service providers, the system’s independence from specific ERP software is beneficial, as projects, client systems and locations can vary. And if additional counting capacity is required at short notice, the necessary software and hardware can be scaled up on a project-by-project basis without the need to maintain dedicated resources on a permanent basis.

This makes inventory management software such as Stripes particularly suitable for businesses that wish to organise their stock-takes reliably without having to set up a permanent, bespoke solution for infrequent or seasonal tasks. Especially in the face of changing circumstances, the combination of short-notice availability, centralised monitoring and scalable hardware offers a practical advantage.

The implementation is divided into four phases: first, requirements, processes and framework conditions are agreed upon. This is followed by a needs analysis, technical planning and, finally, operational implementation, including setup, a trial run and handover. The provider expressly emphasises that this process is designed to ensure rapid and smooth deployment with as little preparatory work as possible.

According to the provider, the implementation includes, amongst other things, user and role management, workflow definition, master data import and the setup of quality assurance. This is particularly relevant when multiple sites, changing teams or customer-specific counting rules need to be accommodated.

For businesses, this means that implementing inventory management software does not have to be a lengthy IT project. If the system architecture, product data and scope of the inventory are clarified at an early stage, the solution can be rolled out into live operation relatively quickly.

Inventory software helps businesses carry out stock-taking in a structured, traceable and efficient manner. It simplifies mobile stock recording, improves the management of ongoing stock-taking processes and ensures transparency in data analysis and quality assurance.

Cloud-based rental models can offer particular advantages for periodic, multi-site or project-based inventories, as they are flexible and can be adapted to different requirements. Solutions such as Stripes combine software, monitoring and, where required, suitable hardware within a single centralised system.

Stripes, the specialized cloud inventory solution from MLS Retail Software Solutions, will be presenting itself at EuroShop 2026 as an innovative technology partner for inventory in the retail sector and for inventory service providers. Stripes combines modern technology with in-depth industry knowledge to sustainably optimize inventory processes and significantly simplify organization.

The offering focuses on ERP-independent cloud inventory software that enables structured inventory recording and real-time inventory monitoring. The solution is supplemented by rentable, pre-configured handheld scanners with pre-installed software, which are designed for high scan volumes and support multiple counting points. Experienced supervisors can optionally accompany inventory teams on site, ensuring quality assurance and smooth processes.

As a complete, flexibly rentable inventory software solution, Stripes combines software, hardware, and accompanying services. Stripes is also not a new market entrant, but a solution that has been established in operational use for years. In close cooperation with experienced inventory and retail service providers such as OMS Retail, over 4,000 inventory projects are implemented annually, both nationally and throughout Europe. This collaborative anchoring in the market ensures that Stripes is consistently geared towards real requirements and has proven itself even in complex, high-volume inventories.

A key advantage of the solution lies in its short-term availability without long-term commitment or own investments. Uniform processes, live monitoring, and high scalability create planning security even for complex inventory projects. The Inventory RentKit provides retailers with a scalable complete set for store, warehouse, and special inventories. Inventory service providers benefit from the CountKit Pro, which eliminates the need to build their own device fleets and supports high, fluctuating counting volumes in Germany and Europe. Stripes will be at EuroShop 2026 in Düsseldorf from February 22 to 26, 2026, showcasing how modern inventories can be implemented efficiently, transparently, and practically. Trade fair visitors are invited to meet the Stripes team in person at booth B22 in hall 6. The contact person on site is Eric Bechtloff.