At the November 6th APICS Chicago Chapter event: Keys to their Organization’s Success seminar, Cindy Jutras, Vice President And Group Director of ERP Research, Aberdeen Group provided a compelling analogy when discussing the importance of 100% inventory accuracy. 

When told by a company she was working with that it is unreasonable to expect them to maintain 100% inventory accuracy because of the amount they pay their inventory personnel.  Cindy responded "Is it OK for a Bank Teller to be less than 100% accurate at the end of the day?  How much do you think they are paid?" 

A great response to a common question.  Inventory is the equivalent of cash.  The less accurate the more you throw away.  Why wouldn't a company assert the same control and accountability as they do with their physical cash.  Imagine reviewing your bank statement and seeing an ending balance that is even a couple of dollars lower than what you expect.  You would certainly be on the phone demanding an explanation.  So is it really too much to expect of your people and processes to achieve 100% accuracy in your inventory?  I think not!