Inventoryin bars and cocktail bars - precise stocktaking made easy
Inventory in bars and cocktail bars presents owners of small establishments with special challenges. In classic bars, dozens of spirits and ingredients are stored - from expensive whisky to rare liqueurs - which makes the inventory of spirits complex. In addition, staff often change and use different methods or have little experience with stocktaking. Mixed drinks such as cocktails are also a costing challenge: each recipe uses several ingredients, and without precise calculations, the cost of goods and costs can easily get out of hand. As a result, stocktaking is seen as a chore, even though stocktaking in bars is essential for success.
Why stocktaking in the bar must be particularly precise
In bars, stocktaking must be particularly accurate because even the smallest deviations have noticeable consequences. On the one hand, the mixing calculation for cocktails requires exact quantities - if you don't record consumption precisely, neither the cost of goods nor the cocktail recipes will be correct in the end. Secondly, spirits are expensive: any unnoticed shrinkage, whether due to spillage or incorrect measuring, directly reduces your profit. The bottle rotation behind the bar is high, open bottles are constantly being replaced and consumption is very fast, especially at weekends. Without accurate stocktaking, you may lose track, accumulate excess stock or, in the worst case, run out of an important ingredient in the middle of a bar night. Precise stocktaking therefore means better cost control, fewer surprises and full control over the bar's inventory.
How BarBrain simplifies your inventory as a bar operator
Fortunately, these inventory problems can now be solved with digital tools. BarBrain is an inventory software for bars that is tailored to these needs. By taking a digital inventory in your cocktail bar, you automate many steps and prevent errors that are typical with pen-and-paper methods. How exactly does BarBrain make inventory in bars and cocktail bars easier? Here is an overview of some of the functions:
- Intuitive interface: The app is easy to use - ideal for changing staff. New employees find their way around immediately, which saves training time.
- Slider for fill levels: You no longer have to estimate partially full bottles. With a practical slider or scales, you can enter the exact fill level of each bottle of spirits, digital inventory cocktail bar-style precision.
- Automatic reports: After the count, BarBrain automatically creates detailed inventory reports. You immediately receive a clear evaluation, without tedious recalculation - perfect for keeping an eye on your cost of goods sold at the bar.
- Calculate cocktail units: BarBrain thinks in cocktail units. The software helps you to estimate how many drinks can still be mixed with the current stock. This means you can plan repeat orders better and never go into the evening without important ingredients.
- Shrinkage comparison: By comparing target and actual stock levels, you can immediately identify deviations. The inventory software shows you if more has been consumed than can be mathematically explained by sales - shrinkage and possible theft are made transparent.
Advantages for you as the owner
As a bar owner, you benefit directly from this digital support. Firstly, you save an enormous amount of time when taking stock - many BarBrain users reduce the effort by more than half, saving you and your team hours of tedious counting. Secondly, you retain better control over your stocks: you can see what is in stock at all times and can identify shortages or overstocks at an early stage. Thirdly, you secure your profit, as precise data prevents money being lost through undetected shrinkage or incorrect orders. And fourthly, the target consumption can be compared with the recipes - so you immediately notice if, for example, more whisky has been served than would actually have been necessary according to the cocktail recipe. This transparency creates trust within the team and helps to optimize processes at the bar.
From the field: A cocktail bar owner explains
For Dietmar Petri and his team at the Ory Bar, BarBrain has become indispensable. "It's unbelievable how much time and money we save," he says. In addition to the increase in efficiency, the ease of use of the app is also impressive. "You always have your entire portfolio in front of you and it's super easy to use," adds Dietmar.
Conclusion: Try BarBrain for yourself now
Accurate stocktaking in bars and cocktail bars no longer has to be a necessary evil. With the right digital support - like BarBrain - you can transform stocktaking from a time-consuming chore into a lean, efficient process. The advantages of inventory software for bars are obvious: less effort, more control and maximum transparency about your stock. See for yourself and test BarBrain for your bar now - this will give you time, peace of mind and the freedom to do what you love best: serving great drinks.