# Count items and record a real zero

Practise counting known items, recording a checked zero and reviewing missing counts.

Source: https://help.smartfact.ai/countbench/guides/count-and-zero

Audience: Operator

Practise counting known items, recording a checked zero and reviewing missing counts.

## Count items and record a real zero

1. **Open the stores example**

   Open the stores example.

   The shipped example has synthetic stock and three locations. It stays in this tab and never changes your stock system.

2. **Choose the counting location**

   Choose the counting location.

   Check the location before scanning items. Stock at different locations is counted separately.

3. **Select the example rack**

   Select the example rack.

   Use RACK-A for this lesson. Check the real rack label before starting a count.

4. **Start scanning**

   Start scanning.

   Start scanning before presenting an item. Each complete code keeps its leading zeroes.

5. **Scan the complete item code**

   Scan the complete item code.

   This simulated keyboard scan identifies item 000017. Count what is present before entering a total.

6. **Enter eight items**

   Enter eight items.

   Enter the total present, rather than the expected stock. The accepted result becomes eight at RACK-A.

7. **Scan an item with none present**

   Scan an item with none present.

   Use a real zero when you checked the location and found no units. Leaving an item uncounted means something different.

8. **Record zero present**

   Record zero present.

   This item was checked and has zero present. Missing counts are never silently changed to zero.

9. **Pause scanning**

   Pause scanning.

   Pause before changing screens or putting the device down. A scan received while paused is not counted.

10. **Finish counting and review**

   Finish counting and review.

   Review separates counted items, zeroes and missing counts. The example still has uncounted locations.

11. **Open the draft downloads**

   Open the draft downloads.

   An unfinished count is clearly a draft. Downloading it does not make the count complete.

12. **Download the results CSV**

   Download the results CSV.

   The real exporter prepares this file from the current count. Keep draft and incomplete status with the figures. A backup contains the original stock file, including hidden expected quantities.

[Watch or practise this chapter](https://help.smartfact.ai/countbench/demo?guide=count-and-zero&chapter=count-and-zero)

Keep unknown and incomplete results clearly marked. Training sends no email and does not prepare the Help site for offline use.