What is a perpetual inventory system?

A perpetual inventory system is characterized by its continuous updating of inventory records every time a purchase or sale occurs. This method provides real-time visibility of inventory levels, allowing businesses to keep accurate track of the quantity of products available at any given moment. Through this precise tracking, companies can maintain better inventory management, reduce the risk of stockouts or overstock, and make informed purchasing decisions.

The advantages of a perpetual system include its ability to report more accurate financial statements, as inventory and cost of goods sold (COGS) can be computed instantaneously. It also facilitates timely responses to sales trends, helping businesses optimize their operations.

In contrast, other options describe inventory methods that lack the constant record updates that define a perpetual system. For instance, tracking inventory levels quarterly, recording purchases only at the end of an accounting period, or relying on physical counts do not enable the level of accuracy or responsiveness that a perpetual system offers.