Franchise Inventory Management: Multi-Unit Control
By mise · Updated September 29, 2026
Quick answer: franchise inventory works when every unit counts the same list, on the same day, with the same units, so food cost and shrink can be compared store by store.
A franchise lives on consistency. If each store counts differently, the numbers cannot be compared and problems hide.
What to count in a franchise
| Category | What it includes | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Core menu items | Proteins, sauces, packaging | Weekly, same day |
| Beverages | Soda, coffee, alcohol | Weekly |
| Supplies | Cleaning, uniforms | Monthly |
Step by step
- One master item list for all units.
- Same count day and units.
- Par per location.
- Compare food cost across stores monthly.
Mistakes that throw the count off
- Local items added without codes.
- Different units per store.
- Transfers between stores not recorded.
How mise helps
Scan the barcode with your phone camera or snap a photo of the label; mise's AI finds the product and categorizes it with name, brand, category, photo and price. Each store is its own location in mise; see one or all together. Every count is saved with a date and a name, par levels warn you before you run out, and you see shrinkage and food cost for the period without building a spreadsheet.
Scan the barcode or snap a photo: mise's AI finds the product and categorizes it. 7-day free trial, then US$33 a month (£26 in the UK).
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Frequently asked questions
How do I compare inventory across locations?
Same list, same units, same day; then food cost and shrink per store side by side.
Is there an inventory template?
Yes: item, unit, par, count and variance. With mise you count by scanning and export to Excel or PDF.
How much does mise cost?
A 7-day free trial, then US$33 a month per location (£26 in the UK).