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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

  1. Go to "More" tab at the bottom
  2. Under "Manage Branches" section:
    • Branches - View and manage all locations
    • Add Branch - Create new business locations

Viewing All Your Branches

  1. Tap "Branches" in the More page
  2. View Branches page shows all locations
  3. 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

  1. View list of current employees
  2. Select which employees work at this branch
  3. Multiple selection allowed
  4. Employees can work at multiple branches

Option B: Create New Employees

  1. Tap "Create New Employee"
  2. 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)
  3. Tap "Done" to create

Learn more in Team Management.

Step 4: Complete Branch Setup

  1. Review all information
  2. Tap "Create Branch"
  3. Branch is created and appears in your branches list

🎉 New branch successfully created!

Managing Existing Branches

Viewing Branch Details:

  1. Tap on any branch card
  2. Branch Detail page shows:
    • Branch information
    • Employee list with roles
    • Performance metrics
    • Edit options

Editing Branch Information:

  1. In Branch Details, tap "Edit"
  2. Modify:
    • Branch name
    • Description
    • Employee assignments
  3. 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

  1. Add items to cart from source branch
  2. Go to Cart page
  3. Tap "Transfer" button (instead of "Sell")
  4. Transfer modal opens:
    • Source branch: Auto-detected from cart items
    • Destination branch: Select from dropdown
    • Transfer note: Add reason/details (optional)
  5. Tap "Transfer Items"
  6. Stock moves instantly

Method 2: Single Variant Transfer

  1. Go to Stock → Category → Item → Variant Details
  2. Tap 3-dot menu on variant
  3. Select "Transfer"
  4. Fill transfer details:
    • Current branch: Shows source
    • Destination branch: Select target
    • Quantity: Amount to transfer
    • Note: Document reason
  5. 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:

  1. Go to Analytics tab
  2. Scroll to Performance section
  3. 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:

  1. Review item performance by branch
  2. Move slow sellers to high-traffic locations
  3. Stock popular items at high-demand branches
  4. 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:

Team Management →


Next: Team Management →