Multi-Branch Management
Learn to efficiently manage multiple store locations with Lemat Stock.
Overview
Multi-branch management allows you to:
- Operate multiple physical locations
- Track inventory separately per branch
- Compare performance across locations
- Transfer stock between branches
- Assign staff to specific branches
- View consolidated and individual branch analytics
Accessing Branch Management
- Go to "More" tab at the bottom
- Under "Manage Branches" section:
- Branches - View and manage all locations
- Add Branch - Create new business locations
Viewing All Your Branches
- Tap "Branches" in the More page
- View Branches page shows all locations
- Each branch displayed as a card with:
- Branch name
- Description
- Number of employees assigned
- Status (active/inactive)
Creating a New Branch
📹 Video: Adding a Branch
📹 Video: Editing Branch Details
Step 1: Start Branch Creation
Tap "Add Branch" from More page
Step 2: Branch Information
Fill in details:
Branch Name - Clear, descriptive name
- Examples: "Downtown Store", "Mall Location", "Airport Branch"
- Use names that identify the location clearly
Description (optional but recommended)
- Add location details
- Notes about the branch
- Special characteristics
Step 3: Add Staff Members
Two options for adding staff:
Option A: Assign Existing Employees
- View list of current employees
- Select which employees work at this branch
- Multiple selection allowed
- Employees can work at multiple branches
Option B: Create New Employees
- Tap "Create New Employee"
- Employee form appears:
- Profile picture - Optional photo
- Role - Manager or Employee
- First name - Required
- Last name - Required
- Phone number - Required (must be unique, used for login)
- Tap "Done" to create
Learn more in Team Management.
Step 4: Complete Branch Setup
- Review all information
- Tap "Create Branch"
- Branch is created and appears in your branches list
🎉 New branch successfully created!
Managing Existing Branches
Viewing Branch Details:
- Tap on any branch card
- Branch Detail page shows:
- Branch information
- Employee list with roles
- Performance metrics
- Edit options
Editing Branch Information:
- In Branch Details, tap "Edit"
- Modify:
- Branch name
- Description
- Employee assignments
- Save changes
Managing Branch Employees:
- Add new employees to the branch
- Remove employees from the branch
- Change employee roles
- View employee details
Deactivating/Activating Branches:
- Temporarily close locations
- Reactivate when needed
- Historical data preserved
Branch-Specific Operations
Inventory Management:
Each variant belongs to a specific branch:
- Stock levels tracked per branch
- Sales reduce stock at selling branch only
- Transfers move stock between locations
Sales Processing:
- Sales automatically record branch location
- Can only sell items from one branch at a time
- Branch performance tracked separately
Analytics:
- View individual branch performance
- Compare branches against each other
- Track trends per location
Inter-Branch Stock Transfers
Move inventory between branches efficiently.
Method 1: Bulk Transfer from Cart
- Add items to cart from source branch
- Go to Cart page
- Tap "Transfer" button (instead of "Sell")
- Transfer modal opens:
- Source branch: Auto-detected from cart items
- Destination branch: Select from dropdown
- Transfer note: Add reason/details (optional)
- Tap "Transfer Items"
- Stock moves instantly
Method 2: Single Variant Transfer
- Go to Stock → Category → Item → Variant Details
- Tap 3-dot menu on variant
- Select "Transfer"
- Fill transfer details:
- Current branch: Shows source
- Destination branch: Select target
- Quantity: Amount to transfer
- Note: Document reason
- Tap "Transfer"
Transfer Best Practices:
- ✅ Check stock levels before transferring
- ✅ Use transfer notes to document reasons
- ✅ Verify destination branch before confirming
- ✅ Monitor transfer history for audit trails
- ✅ Balance stock based on branch performance
- ✅ Plan transfers around busy periods
- ✅ Coordinate with branch managers
Branch Performance Analysis
Accessing Branch Analytics:
- Go to Analytics tab
- Scroll to Performance section
- Find "Branches" comparison
Metrics to Compare:
- Items Sold - Volume by location
- Revenue - Financial performance
- Profit - Profitability per branch
- Customer Count - Traffic analysis
Analyzing Branch Performance:
Top Performers:
- What makes them successful?
- Location advantages?
- Staff effectiveness?
- Product mix?
Underperformers:
- Location issues?
- Staffing problems?
- Inventory problems?
- Competition?
Actions Based on Analysis:
- Transfer staff or inventory
- Adjust pricing by location
- Focus marketing efforts
- Consider expansion or closure
Strategic Stock Distribution
Data-Driven Inventory Allocation:
- Review item performance by branch
- Move slow sellers to high-traffic locations
- Stock popular items at high-demand branches
- Balance inventory based on capacity
Reordering Strategy:
- Combine orders for bulk discounts
- Distribute new stock based on performance
- Maintain safety stock at each location
- Coordinate with suppliers for multi-drop
Multi-Branch Best Practices
Setup Phase:
- Start with one branch, add gradually
- Document standard operating procedures
- Train staff consistently across locations
- Set up clear communication channels
Operations:
- Daily check-in with each branch
- Regular stock balancing
- Consistent pricing (or document exceptions)
- Centralized reporting
Management:
- Weekly performance reviews
- Monthly branch manager meetings
- Quarterly strategic planning
- Annual location evaluation
Technology:
- Ensure reliable internet at all locations
- Train all staff on system
- Have backup plans for connectivity issues
- Regular data backups
Common Multi-Branch Challenges
Challenge 1: Stock Imbalances
Problem: One branch always running low while another has excess.
Solution:
- Review sales velocity by branch
- Set up automatic transfer alerts
- Regular stock balancing schedule
- Adjust ordering patterns
Challenge 2: Inconsistent Performance
Problem: Branches performing very differently.
Solution:
- Identify success factors at top branches
- Standardize successful practices
- Provide targeted training
- Consider location-specific strategies
Challenge 3: Staff Coordination
Problem: Poor communication between branches.
Solution:
- Regular team meetings
- Shared messaging platform
- Document standard procedures
- Cross-training opportunities
Scaling Your Business
When to Add a Branch:
- Current location at capacity
- Identified new market opportunity
- Strong financial performance
- Experienced management team ready
New Branch Checklist:
- ✅ Location secured
- ✅ Initial inventory planned
- ✅ Staff hired and trained
- ✅ Branch created in system
- ✅ Payment methods configured
- ✅ Marketing plan ready
- ✅ Opening event planned
First 30 Days:
- Daily monitoring
- Rapid issue resolution
- Staff support and training
- Customer feedback collection
- Performance comparison
Next Steps
Learn about managing your team effectively: