Understanding the Four Ways to Update Inventory in OneCart

OneCart provides four distinct methods to update your inventory, each designed for different scenarios and workflows. Understanding when to use each method will help you manage your stock efficiently and accurately.

Prerequisites

Before using any of these inventory update methods, ensure you have:

• ✅ Set up your Item Master
• ✅ Connected your e-commerce platforms
• ✅ Imported and matched your platform listings
• ✅ Enabled inventory sync

→ Complete overview of the inventory update process

The Four Methods

1. Manual Updates

Best for: Individual SKU updates, quick corrections, small inventories

Update inventory quantities one SKU at a time by searching for specific items in OneCart and changing their quantities directly. Changes take effect immediately across all connected platforms.

→ Learn how to update inventory manually

2. Bulk Upload (Overwrite Method)

Best for: Complete inventory resets, stock audits, setting accurate base inventory

This method overwrites existing quantities with the values you provide in an Excel spreadsheet.

Example:

• Current stock in OneCart: 55 pieces
• Excel spreadsheet shows: 10 pieces
• Result: OneCart quantity becomes 10 pieces (overwrites the 55)

When to use:

• Conducting full inventory audits
• Setting up initial stock levels
• Correcting major discrepancies
• After physical stock counts

→ Learn how to use Bulk Upload

3. Inbound Stock (Addition Method)

Best for: Receiving new stock from suppliers, adding inventory

This method adds the quantities you specify to existing stock levels.

Example:

• Current stock in OneCart: 55 pieces
• Excel spreadsheet shows: 10 pieces (inbound)
• Calculation: 55 + 10 = 65 pieces
• Result: OneCart quantity becomes 65 pieces

When to use:

• Receiving shipments from suppliers
• Adding manufactured products
• Restocking from transfers
• Any scenario where you’re adding to existing inventory

→ Learn how to use Inbound Stock

4. Outbound Stock (Subtraction Method)

Best for: Removing inventory for various reasons

This method subtracts the quantities you specify from existing stock levels.

Example:

• Current stock in OneCart: 55 pieces
• Excel spreadsheet shows: 10 pieces (outbound)
• Calculation: 55 - 10 = 45 pieces
• Result: OneCart quantity becomes 45 pieces

When to use:

• Recording damaged or defective products
• Inventory losses or shrinkage
• Internal use or samples
• Corrections for over-counted stock

→ Learn how to use Outbound Stock

Key Differences Summary

Advantages of Each Method

Bulk Upload

• Advantage: Complete control over final quantities
• Use case: “I want my SKU-001 to have exactly 100 pieces”

Inbound & Outbound Stock

• Advantage: No need to calculate final quantities
• Use case: “I received 50 pieces, just add them to whatever I already have”

Choosing the Right Method

Ask yourself:

1. Do I know the exact final quantity I want? → Use Bulk Upload or Manual
2. Am I adding stock to what I already have? → Use Inbound Stock
3. Am I removing stock from what I have? → Use Outbound Stock
4. Is this just one or two SKUs? → Use Manual

Next Steps

Choose the method that best fits your current needs:

• → Manual updates for quick changes
• → Bulk Upload for complete overrides
• → Inbound Stock for new inventory
• → Outbound Stock for inventory removal

Need help deciding which method to use? Contact support or refer to our troubleshooting guide for more guidance.