--- title: Cycle Count Software and App for Retail Stores | HotWax description: "Cycle count software for retail stores: plan directed counts, scan in Shopify POS on iPad, review variances, and sync approved counts to ERP and eCommerce." image: https://www.hotwax.co/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/peforming-cycle-counts-in-stores.png --- [![HotWax Commerce](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/hotwax-logo.png?width=200&height=63&name=hotwax-logo.png)](https://www.hotwax.co/) [![HotWax Commerce](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Common%20assets/Logos/HotWax/HWCLogoDarkMode.png?width=200&height=63&name=HWCLogoDarkMode.png)](https://www.hotwax.co/) ☰ - Product - Overview - [Order Management System](https://www.hotwax.co/product/omnichannel-order-management-system/) - [Store Inventory Management](https://www.hotwax.co/solution/store-inventory-management) - [Omnichannel Suite](https://www.hotwax.co/product/omnichannel-order-management-system-for-shopify/) - [OMS Architecture](https://www.hotwax.co/product/technology/oms-architecture) - [MCP Server](https://www.hotwax.co/product/technology/mcp-server) - [AI Powered Order Routing](https://www.hotwax.co/product/technology/ai-powered-order-routing) - [FAQ](https://www.hotwax.co/frequently-asked-questions) - [Product Updates](https://www.hotwax.co/product-updates) - [Knowledge Base](https://www.hotwax.co/hotwax-commerce-documentation) - Integrations - [Shopify](https://www.hotwax.co/shopify-order-management-integration) - [NetSuite](https://www.hotwax.co/hotwax-netsuite-integration) - [All Integrations](https://www.hotwax.co/all-integrations/) - Use Cases - By Business Benefits - [Prevent Overselling](https://www.hotwax.co/use-cases/prevent-overselling) - [Unified Inventory](https://www.hotwax.co/solution/unified-inventory/) - [Order Routing](https://www.hotwax.co/solution/configurable-order-routing) - [Ship From Store](https://www.hotwax.co/solution/ship-from-store-software) - [Buy Online Pick-Up In Store](https://www.hotwax.co/solution/buy-online-pick-up-in-store-bopis-software/) - [Pre-Orders](https://www.hotwax.co/solution/pre-orders/) - [Inventory Transfers](https://www.hotwax.co/inventory-transfers) - [Cycle Counts](https://www.hotwax.co/cycle-count) - [Return In Store](https://www.hotwax.co/solution/buy-online-return-in-store-boris-software) - [Retail Sales Audit](https://www.hotwax.co/product/omnichannel-retail-sales-audit-oresa/) - By Business Model - [Footwear](https://www.hotwax.co/industries/footwear) - [Jewelry](https://www.hotwax.co/industries/jewelry) - [Fashion & Apparel](https://www.hotwax.co/industries/apparel-and-fashion) - [Beauty](https://www.hotwax.co/industries/beauty-and-personal-care) - [Travel](https://www.hotwax.co/industries/travel-and-bags) - Resources - [Blog](https://www.hotwax.co/blog) - [Podcast](https://www.hotwax.co/podcast) - [Whitepaper](https://www.hotwax.co/whitepaper) - [Luxury Order Management](https://www.hotwax.co/order-management-system-for-luxury-brands) - [Comparing Order Management Capabilities B/W Shopify and HotWax](https://www.hotwax.co/comparing-order-management-capabilities-between-shopify-and-hotwax) - [How To Do By Online Pick-Up In Store Right](https://www.hotwax.co/how-to-do-buy-online-pick-up-in-store-right) - [Solution Briefs](https://www.hotwax.co/solution-briefs) - [Demo Videos](https://www.hotwax.co/demo-videos/) - [Sample BI Reports](https://www.hotwax.co/business-intelligence-bi-reports) - Company - [Our Story](https://www.hotwax.co/about-us/our-story/) - [Team](https://www.hotwax.co/about-us/) - [Partners](https://www.hotwax.co/become-a-partner) - [Customers](https://www.hotwax.co/customers) - [Pressroom](https://www.hotwax.co/hotwax-commerce-pressroom) - [Social Impact](https://www.hotwax.co/social-impact-hotwax-commerce) - [Events](https://www.hotwax.co/events-and-conferences) - [Security](https://www.hotwax.co/privacy-and-security) [Book a demo](https://cta-na2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLISXXGkcOtRysPKfjcriLyodY4rudkc50veKlKDe8q2B1%2FRWGeLxDhbY%2BkohRU8XspED5h92umpu7OkRZM1bllkBJKAFAlbNGEnCRAQX7O752HQT17G9v%2FBCweH%2FXvHlZ5%2FUC0MRPtKYCn5XoGb8TpxbLxvKbLalLOZcHeqoaHicFtr15mZOUkn2Y06IxHVsa5b0g%3D%3D&portalId=6357099) # Cycle Count Software Count inventory faster, smarter, and more reliably across stores. ![Tablet showing the HotWax Cycle Count App with an active inventory count and item progress.](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/cycle-count-banner.png?width=1200&height=800&name=cycle-count-banner.png) ## Know what you have. Trust what you sell. When you know exactly what’s on your shelves, everything else works better, your online promises, your stock replenishment, your customer experience. Cycle counts bring stores and retail ops into perfect alignment so inventory stays accurate across every channel. ![Cycle count software benefits: accurate sellable stock, fewer oversells, no stockouts, faster replenishment](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/cycle-count-framework.png?width=1200&height=434&name=cycle-count-framework.png) ![Cycle count software benefits: accurate sellable stock, fewer oversells, no stockouts, faster replenishment](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/cycle-count-framework.png?width=500&height=181&name=cycle-count-framework.png) ## Introducing the Cycle Count App ### Plan and perform counts Cycle count software designed for store teams and retail ops, the Cycle Count App brings accuracy and confidence back to your inventory. It’s iPad‑first, scan‑focused, and embedded directly into Shopify POS. ### It’s that simple. Retail ops assign counts, stores complete them and approved adjustments flow straight to your connected systems. ## The inventory accuracy you’ll see Reduced stockouts and oversells. Inventory your teams and customers can trust. [See a live demo](https://www.hotwax.co/connect) ## Retail ops plan cycle counts ## Plan and create counts Create directed counts for specific SKUs, categories or schedule full-store hard counts. Assign hundreds of items across dozens of stores in minutes. ![Bulk upload screen for creating cycle counts from a template](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/bulk-upload-cycle-counts.png?width=1200&height=954&name=bulk-upload-cycle-counts.png) ![Bulk upload screen for creating cycle counts from a template](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/bulk-upload-cycle-counts.png?width=600&height=477&name=bulk-upload-cycle-counts.png) ## Accountability across all locations Once assigned, progress stays visible in a unified dashboard by count, store and status. ![Assigned cycle count dashboard showing progress by item for a weekly display count](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/view-assigned-cycle-counts.png?width=1200&height=955&name=view-assigned-cycle-counts.png) ![Assigned cycle count dashboard showing progress by item for a weekly display count](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/view-assigned-cycle-counts.png?width=600&height=477&name=view-assigned-cycle-counts.png) ## Store teams perform cycle counts ## A focused view before counting begins Preview upcoming counts before they begin. Each count shows scope, start time and due date so teams align labor and timing upfront. ![Store view of upcoming cycle counts with start dates, due dates, and a preview option](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/assigned-counts-preview.png?width=1200&height=954&name=assigned-counts-preview.png) ![Store view of upcoming cycle counts with start dates, due dates, and a preview option](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/assigned-counts-preview.png?width=600&height=477&name=assigned-counts-preview.png) ## Run multiple sessions at the same time Large counts don’t have to slow stores down. Split counts by zone, department or shift. Multiple associates work on the same count at the same time. Each session records its own timestamps and audit trail, increasing speed without losing control. ![One cycle count split into front, back, and middle stockroom sessions run by different associates](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/multiple-sessions-cycle-counts.png?width=350&height=574&name=multiple-sessions-cycle-counts.png) ![One cycle count split into front, back, and middle stockroom sessions run by different associates](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/multiple-sessions-cycle-counts.png?width=350&height=574&name=multiple-sessions-cycle-counts.png) ## Simple scan-based counting Scan items while moving through the store. Progress updates in real time, showing what’s complete and what remains. Items scanned correctly are marked as counted. Assigned items that haven’t been scanned remain visible until completion. ![Scan-based cycle counting screen showing counted units and items still to scan](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/peforming-cycle-counts-in-stores.png?width=2000&name=peforming-cycle-counts-in-stores.png) ![Scan-based cycle counting screen showing counted units and items still to scan](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/peforming-cycle-counts-in-stores.png?width=600&height=478&name=peforming-cycle-counts-in-stores.png) ## Accidental scans are caught early Identify items scanned by mistake that weren’t part of the assigned count. Exclude these scans so directed counts reflect only requested items. ![Undirected tab flagging an item scanned by mistake during a cycle count](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/undirected-items.png?width=1200&height=955&name=undirected-items.png) ![Undirected tab flagging an item scanned by mistake during a cycle count](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/undirected-items.png?width=600&height=478&name=undirected-items.png) ## Match unmatched SKUs Review scanned items that don’t map to a SKU and easily match them to the correct product. ![Match Product screen linking an unmatched scan to the correct SKU](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/match-unmatched-products-cycle-count.png?width=600&height=374&name=match-unmatched-products-cycle-count.png) ![Match Product screen linking an unmatched scan to the correct SKU](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/match-unmatched-products-cycle-count.png?width=350&height=218&name=match-unmatched-products-cycle-count.png) ## Hand-count non-barcoded items Record quantities for items without barcodes using a dedicated hand-count flow. Keep these items within the same count without slowing execution. ![Add hand-counted items screen for products without barcodes](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/add-hand-counted-items.png?width=600&height=383&name=add-hand-counted-items.png) ![Add hand-counted items screen for products without barcodes](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/add-hand-counted-items.png?width=350&height=223&name=add-hand-counted-items.png) ## Resolve exceptions before submission Review uncounted items at the end of the count. Mark items that couldn’t be found as out of stock and close all open issues before submission. ![Uncounted items list with an option to mark selected items out of stock](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/mark-uncounted-items-out-of-stock.png?width=600&height=170&name=mark-uncounted-items-out-of-stock.png) ![Uncounted items list with an option to mark selected items out of stock](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/mark-uncounted-items-out-of-stock.png?width=350&height=99&name=mark-uncounted-items-out-of-stock.png) ## Submit complete, review-ready counts Confirm all sessions are finished with the app generated checklist, no SKUs remain uncounted, and all exceptions are resolved. Counts reach head office clean, complete and ready for review. ![Submit requirements checklist confirming a cycle count is ready for review](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/complete-cycle-counts.png?width=400&height=528&name=complete-cycle-counts.png) ![Submit requirements checklist confirming a cycle count is ready for review](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/complete-cycle-counts.png?width=350&height=462&name=complete-cycle-counts.png) ## Log variances without running a count Record inventory variances as they occur. Search for the product, log the variance, and submit it for review without initiating a full cycle count. Only approved variances update inventory, maintaining control while allowing stores to act in real time. ![Logging a variance for one product without running a full cycle count](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/add-items-cycle-counts.png?width=450&height=287&name=add-items-cycle-counts.png) ![Logging a variance for one product without running a full cycle count](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/add-items-cycle-counts.png?width=350&height=224&name=add-items-cycle-counts.png) ## See how store teams perform counts faster Watch how easily and accurately store teams can perform cycle counts. [See a live demo](https://www.hotwax.co/connect) ## Variance review and inventory health ## Review variances with clarity Submitted counts move into a dedicated review dashboard for retail ops teams. Variances are highlighted clearly. Item history stays easy to audit. Compliance thresholds separate acceptable differences from variances that need action. Reviews move quickly using bulk decisions, without losing item-level control. ![Retail ops review screen listing cycle count variances by item](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/review-cycle-counts.png?width=1200&height=955&name=review-cycle-counts.png) ![Retail ops review screen listing cycle count variances by item](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/review-cycle-counts.png?width=600&height=477&name=review-cycle-counts.png) ## Close counts and update systems with confidence Approve accurate counts and reject incorrect ones. Approved adjustments sync automatically across connected systems, including ERP and eCommerce. Only reviewed, trusted updates reach your inventory. ![Approved counts from cycle count software syncing inventory to eCommerce, ERP, and stores](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/update-variances-automatically.png?width=450&height=213&name=update-variances-automatically.png) ![Approved counts from cycle count software syncing inventory to eCommerce, ERP, and stores](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/update-variances-automatically.png?width=350&height=166&name=update-variances-automatically.png) ## Maintain a complete audit trail Keep every closed count fully accessible for future reference. View variance summaries, session timelines, and decision history, including who counted, who approved and what was rejected. This audit trail supports shrink analysis, compliance reviews and replenishment planning. ![Cycle count audit trail with counted vs systemic quantities and accepted or rejected decisions](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/cycle-counts-closed-summary.png?width=550&height=268&name=cycle-counts-closed-summary.png) ![Cycle count audit trail with counted vs systemic quantities and accepted or rejected decisions](https://www.hotwax.co/hs-fs/hubfs/cycle-counts-landing-page/cycle-counts-closed-summary.png?width=450&height=219&name=cycle-counts-closed-summary.png) ## See the complete cycle count workflow From planning and counting to variance review and inventory updates, end to end. [See a live demo](https://www.hotwax.co/connect) ## Cycle counts made easier, faster, and more reliable ### Cut coordination overhead Retail teams assign and monitor counts without emails, spreadsheets or follow-ups. ### Perform counts faster Focused counts take less time and are easier to fit into store schedules. ### Keep inventory from drifting Ongoing cycle counts stop inventory mismatches from turning into systemic inaccuracies. ### Reduce downstream firefighting Cleaner inventory data means fewer fixes across replenishment, fulfillment and customer service. ## Got questions? We’ve got answers - ##### [What is cycle count software?](https://www.hotwax.co/cycle-count#content-1) Cycle count software helps retailers count part of their inventory on a regular schedule instead of closing stores for a full physical count. Retail ops assign counts, store teams scan items, and only approved variances update inventory in connected systems, which makes it the inventory counting software store teams use every week. Cycle counting is part of HotWax [store inventory management](https://www.hotwax.co/solution/store-inventory-management), alongside [inventory transfers and receiving](https://www.hotwax.co/inventory-transfers). - ##### [How is this different from Shopify POS Quick count?](https://www.hotwax.co/cycle-count#content-2) Shopify POS Quick count is built for spot checks, up to 1,000 items per session, and Shopify recommends a separate process for counting a whole location. The Cycle Count App adds that process: retail ops assign directed counts across stores, teams split large counts into sessions, and variances are reviewed before inventory updates. - ##### [How is this different from traditional counts?](https://www.hotwax.co/cycle-count#content-3) Unlike manual lists and spreadsheets, the Cycle Count App provides a single, guided path that keeps Retail Ops and Store teams perfectly aligned. This eliminates the gaps, confusion and errors of ad-hoc processes. - ##### [Will this work for large store networks?](https://www.hotwax.co/cycle-count#content-4) Yes. The app is designed for multi-store environments. Retail ops can bulk-assign hundreds of items across stores in minutes without losing visibility or control. - ##### [How do we make sure stores count the right items?](https://www.hotwax.co/cycle-count#content-5) Stores don’t decide what to count. Retail ops defines the scope, and stores see exactly which items are included in each count, with anything uncounted clearly visible before submission. - ##### [How do we prevent inventory from changing while a count is in progress?](https://www.hotwax.co/cycle-count#content-6) Teams run counts off-hours so that walk-in sales do not interrupt counting. - ##### [What happens if store teams make mistakes while counting?](https://www.hotwax.co/cycle-count#content-7) Mistakes are caught early. Incorrect scans, unmatched items, or missing counts are flagged before submission, reducing the need for recounts or follow-ups later. - ##### [How do inventory updates stay controlled?](https://www.hotwax.co/cycle-count#content-8) Inventory only updates after retail ops reviews and approves the submitted counts. This keeps inventory accurate without giving up control. - ##### [How long does it take teams to adopt this?](https://www.hotwax.co/cycle-count#content-9) Store teams usually pick it up quickly because the app is simple, guided and designed to fit the store environment. - ##### [How does the app integrate with our existing systems?](https://www.hotwax.co/cycle-count#content-10) The app is embedded directly into Shopify POS. Approved inventory adjustments sync automatically across connected systems, including ERP and eCommerce, so only trusted updates reach your inventory across all channels. - ##### [What kind of audit trail and accountability does the app provide?](https://www.hotwax.co/cycle-count#content-11) Every closed count remains fully accessible for future reference. The audit trail captures variance summaries, timestamped sessions, and decision history (who counted, who approved, what was rejected). This is perfect for shrink control and compliance audits. - ##### [What kind of support or training is provided during implementation?](https://www.hotwax.co/cycle-count#content-12) We provide comprehensive support, including hands-on onboarding and training specifically tailored to your team's needs, in addition to ongoing support. ## Take the next step Book a quick 15-minute call with our team and get all your questions answered. [See a live demo](https://www.hotwax.co/connect) [![HotWax Commerce](https://www.hotwax.co/hubfs/Hotwax-2021/HotWax_February2020/Images%20Icons,%20Apparel%20background,%20Hexagon/logo-hotwax-dark.svg)](https://www.hotwax.co/) ### Connect ### Headquarters 175 S Main St Suite 1310, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 - Product - [Omnichannel Order Management](https://www.hotwax.co/product/omnichannel-order-management-system/) - [FAQ](https://www.hotwax.co/frequently-asked-questions) - [Product Updates](https://www.hotwax.co/product-update) - [Documentation](https://www.hotwax.co/hotwax-commerce-documentation) - Use cases - [Buy Online Pick-Up In Store](https://www.hotwax.co/solution/buy-online-pick-up-in-store-bopis-software/) - [Configurable Order Routing](https://www.hotwax.co/solution/configurable-order-routing) - [Ship From Store](https://www.hotwax.co/solution/ship-from-store-software) - [Unified Inventory](https://www.hotwax.co/solution/unified-inventory/) - [Pre-Orders](https://www.hotwax.co/solution/pre-orders/) - [Buy Online Return In Store](https://www.hotwax.co/solution/buy-online-return-in-store-boris-software) - [Store Inventory Management](https://www.hotwax.co/solution/store-inventory-management) - Solutions - [Omnichannel OMS for Shopify](https://www.hotwax.co/product/omnichannel-order-management-system-for-shopify/) - [Omnichannel Retail Sales Audit](https://www.hotwax.co/product/omnichannel-retail-sales-audit-oresa/) © 2026 HotWax Commerce