Description
Subtract nonnegative integer expected from observed for gap.
Pharmacy inventory distinguishes physical stock, reservations, holds, lots, package units, and expiry records. A stock calculation describes supplied records and cannot establish that a medicine is suitable or authorized for use.
Subtract nonnegative integer expected from observed for gap.
When to use this tool
Use Ward Stock Count Gap when you need one explicit pharmacy stock-accounting component.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter expected, observed. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read gap. Use the output convention below.
Subtract nonnegative integer expected from observed for gap.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| expected | Expected | Required. Safe integer; minimum 0. |
| observed | Observed | Required. Safe integer; minimum 0. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| gap | Signed difference under the stated subtraction order. | Required. Safe integer. |
{
"input": {
"expected": 100,
"observed": 98
},
"output": {
"gap": -2
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Counts must describe the same product, location, and time; a signed discrepancy does not establish its cause, product quality, or a safe quantity to dispense.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Reconcile verified inventory and product records within the pharmacy's controlled workflow before purchasing, releasing, or dispensing stock.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Cabinet Count Variance
Return counted minus exclusions and that result minus expected, using an exact integer difference before numeric export.
- Medicine Carton Blister Unit Reconcile
Multiply cartons by blistersPerCarton, add looseBlisters, multiply by unitsPerBlister, and add looseUnits.