As you can imagine, NBA teams have a massive amount of inventory to keep track of during the season. From socks to jerseys to basketballs and everything in between, every piece of equipment plays a vital role in ensuring players perform at their best. Managing the vast array of gear can be a daunting task for teams.
John “Kong” Coumoundouros, the Detroit Pistons Equipment Manager, knows firsthand the challenges of keeping track of the team’s extensive inventory. We caught up with Kong to hear how Teamworks Inventory Management has revolutionized equipment management for the Pistons.
The Detroit Pistons Operating System
In essence, Teamworks Inventory Management has become the operating system for equipment management within the Detroit Pistons organization. By centralizing data and streamlining processes, Teamworks has transformed how the team handles its inventory, from ordering to distribution.
“I think what unites us with the Pistons is we use the Teamworks app for everything now,” Kong emphasizes. “It makes things a lot easier to handle with a clear process that can be used at any point by management. Whether you need it for finance, team information or simply tracking inventory, you don’t have to go searching on different platforms. Everything’s in one place.”
From Socks to Basketballs: Keep Track of the Full Inventory Lifecycle
Even socks aren’t created equal in the era of customizable sports performance gear. As Kong mentions, you aren’t just dealing with one type of sock; there are different sizes, shapes, padding, etc. That’s the case for most specialized equipment that comes through the doors of the Little Caesars Arena and the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center. Understandably, athletes also have specific preferences for how their gear fits. So, Kong relies on what he calls the most convenient feature of the Inventory Management technology, the Size Chart Collection Tool.
One of the most significant advantages of Inventory Management is its ability to streamline the tracking process. When over 30 pallets of gear arrive, Kong and his team can easily verify that every item matches the order, thanks to the app’s scanning feature. This level of accuracy eliminates the need for manual audits and prevents discrepancies in inventory counts. Moreover, Inventory Management enables efficient equipment tracking both within the team facilities and on the road. Whether it’s monitoring the usage of Wilson basketballs during practices or keeping tabs on game-worn jerseys, the app provides real-time visibility into the movement of equipment. This not only helps maintain inventory levels but also ensures compliance with league-wide programs, such as the NBA’s game-used initiative.
Pro Tip: Use Inventory Management’s RFID tracking for game-worn asset management.
Kong says the days of equipment managers mentally keeping track of their inventory or using visual cues of low inventory on the shelves are over. NBA teams must place their orders for the following season basically at the start of the current season. The Inventory Management dashboard gives Kong what he calls a ‘buffer zone’ that he can trim here and there while still being prepared to put in his order to Nike almost a year in advance. This high-level view allows Kong to see sizing trends and make informed decisions to maximize their investment in proper inventory.
Streamline Budget Maintenance and Cost Analysis
“Inventory Management has been instrumental in budget maintenance and cost analysis. By tracking individual players’ equipment usage, we can make informed decisions about resource allocation. Whether it’s ordering gear for the upcoming season or assessing the expenses incurred during events like draft workouts, the app provides invaluable insights.”
Kong likes the organization of all the team’s equipment receipts in one location that can easily be printed out when needed. This makes his job much easier when budgets are due. “There’s just so much more visibility in a positive way.”
Mobility & Visibility For The Road Warriors
Inventory Management’s mobile version has provided flexibility for Kong and his team, particularly during the hectic NBA travel schedule. Without the luxury of time, the mobility of Inventory Management allows NBA equipment managers to adjust player sizing on the fly, ensuring that every athlete receives gear tailored to their preferences without any delays.
“I am everything mobile. I barely have a chance to get on the computer. I live by the mobile, and that’s pretty much everybody in the NBA.”
Get Teamworks Inventory Management Now
In the fast break pace of the NBA, tools like Inventory Management are essential for teams striving for efficiency and excellence. As performance gear and equipment continue to evolve, innovative solutions will play an increasingly vital role for teams like the Detroit Pistons.
Schedule a demo now to see how Teamworks Inventory Management provides your entire athletic organization with the mobility and flexibility you need to streamline your inventory operations.
