Entity can account for its inventory by using either perpetual method or periodic method.
Under perpetual method:
- the entity record for every single movement of the inventory (i.e. in and out of the inventory)
- at any single point of time, the entity is able to recall the inventory on hand
- frequency of stock-take required is lesser than those accounted using periodic method
Under periodic method,
- every single movement for the inventory (i.e. in and out) is not required to be tracked
- the entity perform a periodic stock-take to ascertain the inventory balance
- inventory on hand can only be recalled after the stock-take is performed
- frequency of stock-take required is higher than those accounted using perpetual method
- cost of sales is computed by using the following formula: Opening Stock+ Cost of Goods Manufactured / Purchase - Closing stock
The above summarize the difference between perpetual inventory method and periodic inventory method.
