Improving Inventory Record Accuracy in Retail Operations Through Lean Six Sigma: A DMAIC-Based Framework

Inventory record inaccuracy separates system balances from physical stock and weakens retail replenishment, shelf availability, and customer service. This study proposes a focused Lean Six Sigma framework for improving inventory record accuracy in retail operations. A structured narrative review of fourteen academic sources was used to synthesize evidence on error causes, operational consequences, auditing, process discipline, radio-frequency identification, and data-based detection. The analysis organizes these findings through Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. It links receiving errors, unrecorded shrinkage, misplacement, transaction delay, and incorrect adjustments with process mapping, stratified physical audits, Pareto analysis, cause-and-effect analysis, standardized work, risk-based cycle counting, and ongoing process monitoring. The literature indicates that record accuracy improves when operational errors are prevented at their source and audits are targeted by item risk rather than applied uniformly. Technology can strengthen visibility, but it cannot replace stable processes, trained employees, and clear ownership. The resulting framework treats inventory accuracy as a controlled retail process outcome rather than a periodic inventory adjustment.