Why Companies Compare RGIS and CPCON
Organizations searching for an inventory counting service frequently encounter two names at the top of the market: RGIS and CPCON. Both companies have decades of experience in physical inventory counting, and both serve large enterprise clients with high-volume counting needs. The comparison is natural — and worth making carefully, because the right choice depends on factors well beyond the count itself.
RGIS has long been associated with retail inventory counting, having built its reputation as an inventory counting company serving department stores, grocery chains, and specialty retailers across the United States. CPCON Group, by contrast, has built a broader practice spanning retail, healthcare, manufacturing, energy and utilities, government, automotive, logistics, hospitality, and education — with operations in more than 30 countries.
The distinction matters because inventory counting is rarely a standalone need. Organizations often require fixed asset management, RFID tracking, valuation advisory, or regulatory compliance support alongside their physical counts. Choosing a provider that can address only one dimension may create gaps that require engaging additional vendors — adding cost, complexity, and risk.
This article provides a factual, side-by-side comparison of CPCON and RGIS across the dimensions that matter most to operations leaders and CFOs: service scope, technology capabilities, industry coverage, global reach, and pricing structure.
Company Overview: RGIS vs CPCON
Understanding the heritage and scale of each company provides important context for evaluating which inventory company is the right fit.
RGIS
RGIS (Retail Grocery Inventory Service) was founded in 1958 and has grown into one of the largest inventory counting companies in North America. The company specializes in retail inventory service work, including store-level physical counts, pharmacy inventory, and merchandise counting. RGIS also offers retail-adjacent services such as store resets, remodels, and merchandising support.
RGIS maintains a large workforce of part-time counting specialists who travel to client locations for scheduled counts. The company has historically focused on the US and Canadian markets, with more limited international operations compared to global providers.
CPCON Group
CPCON Group serves more than 2,500 clients across 30+ countries, providing a comprehensive suite of inventory and asset management services. Beyond physical inventory counts, CPCON offers fixed asset management, RFID tracking system implementation, valuation advisory, and cost segregation studies. CPCON deploys both permanent and project-based teams and integrates directly with client ERP systems for real-time reporting.
| Dimension | CPCON Group | RGIS |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 | 1958 |
| Global Coverage | 30+ countries | Primarily US & Canada |
| Clients Served | 2,500+ | Not publicly disclosed |
| Primary Focus | Full-spectrum inventory & asset management | Retail inventory counting & merchandising |
| Industries | 9+ verticals (retail, healthcare, manufacturing, energy, government, automotive, logistics, hospitality, education) | Primarily retail and pharmacy |
| Technology | RFID, barcode, IoT, ERP integration | Barcode scanners, proprietary counting tools |
Services Comparison: CPCON vs RGIS
The most significant difference between CPCON and RGIS is the breadth of services each company offers. While both provide inventory count services, their portfolios diverge substantially beyond the core counting function.
| Service | CPCON | RGIS |
|---|---|---|
| Physical inventory counts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cycle count programs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fixed asset management | ✓ | Limited |
| RFID tracking (full implementation) | ✓ | Basic |
| Asset tagging | ✓ | ✓ |
| Valuation advisory | ✓ | ✗ |
| Cost segregation studies | ✓ | ✗ |
| Global coverage (30+ countries) | ✓ | Limited |
| ERP integration & real-time reporting | ✓ | Limited |
| Retail merchandising | ✗ | ✓ |
| Store resets & remodels | ✗ | ✓ |
For organizations whose needs extend beyond counting inventory on shelves — such as tracking fixed assets across facilities, implementing RFID infrastructure, or supporting M&A due diligence with asset valuations — CPCON provides a single-provider solution. RGIS is purpose-built for retail counting and merchandising, making it a strong choice for organizations whose needs are contained within that scope.
Key Takeaway: Service Breadth
- CPCON advantage: Fixed asset management, RFID implementation, valuation advisory, cost segregation, and 30+ country coverage make CPCON the broader platform.
- RGIS advantage: Retail merchandising, store resets, and remodels give RGIS an edge for retailers who need in-store execution services alongside counts.
- Overlap: Both companies deliver physical inventory counts, cycle counting programs, and asset tagging with professional teams.
Technology and Accuracy
Technology is a primary differentiator between modern inventory counting companies. The tools a provider deploys directly affect counting speed, accuracy, and the quality of data available for decision-making after the count is complete.
CPCON Technology Stack
CPCON deploys a multi-technology approach that matches the counting methodology to the asset type and client requirements. The company's technology capabilities include:
- RFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Full implementation services including tag selection, reader deployment, antenna placement, and software integration. RFID-based counting is designed to achieve significantly higher throughput than manual barcode scanning — CPCON's RFID implementations typically enable teams to count thousands of items per hour versus hundreds with barcode scanners.
- Barcode and mobile scanning: For environments where RFID is not yet deployed, CPCON uses enterprise-grade barcode scanners and mobile devices with real-time data capture.
- IoT-enabled tracking: For high-value or mobile assets, CPCON offers IoT sensor integration that provides continuous location data between scheduled counts.
- ERP integration: Count data flows directly into client ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, and others), eliminating manual data entry and reducing reconciliation time.
- Real-time reporting dashboards: Clients can monitor count progress, variance rates, and completion status in real time during the counting engagement.
RGIS Technology
RGIS uses proprietary counting hardware and software optimized for retail environments. The company equips counting teams with handheld barcode scanners designed for high-speed retail SKU counting. RGIS technology is well-suited for store-level inventory counts where products carry standard UPC or EAN barcodes.
For organizations evaluating store inventory control technology, RGIS provides a proven retail-focused solution. However, organizations with more complex asset types — such as fixed assets without barcodes, items requiring RFID tagging, or assets spread across multiple countries — may find that CPCON's broader technology platform provides more flexibility.
Accuracy Considerations
- RFID advantage: RFID technology is designed to reduce human counting errors by automating item identification, which helps support higher accuracy rates compared to purely manual scanning methods.
- Process controls: Both companies employ multi-count verification processes. CPCON's approach includes independent recount protocols and statistical sampling to validate results.
- Important note: Accuracy outcomes depend on many variables including product type, warehouse organization, and counting methodology. Neither provider should be evaluated on accuracy claims alone — request documented accuracy benchmarks from completed projects in your specific industry.
Industry Coverage
One of the most significant differences between CPCON and RGIS is the range of industries each company serves. This distinction matters because inventory counting requirements, compliance standards, and asset types vary dramatically across sectors.
CPCON Industry Expertise
CPCON serves nine or more distinct industry verticals, each with specialized counting methodologies and compliance requirements:
- Retail: Store-level and distribution center inventory counts with shrinkage analysis
- Healthcare: Medical device tracking, pharmaceutical inventory, and HIPAA-compliant asset management (healthcare inventory services)
- Manufacturing: Raw material, WIP, and finished goods counting with MRP system integration (manufacturing inventory services)
- Energy and Utilities: MRO inventory management, nuclear facility compliance, and field asset tracking (energy and utilities inventory services)
- Government: Federal and municipal asset accountability, GASB compliance, and surplus property management
- Automotive: Dealer floor plan audits, parts inventory, and fleet asset management
- Logistics: Warehouse inventory audits, cargo verification, and supply chain inventory counts
- Hospitality: FF&E inventories, food and beverage counts, and operating supply management
- Education: Campus equipment tracking, IT asset inventories, and grant-funded asset accountability
RGIS Industry Focus
RGIS has traditionally concentrated on retail and pharmacy inventory counting. The company has strong capabilities in:
- Retail: Department stores, grocery, specialty retail, convenience stores
- Pharmacy: Controlled substance counts and pharmacy inventory services
- Some industrial: RGIS has expanded into some non-retail verticals, though retail remains the core business
Organizations in healthcare, energy, government, or manufacturing should evaluate whether their potential inventory management company has documented experience in their specific sector. Compliance requirements in these industries — HIPAA for healthcare, NRC regulations for nuclear facilities, GASB standards for government — require counting teams with specialized training and protocols.
Global Coverage and Multi-Country Operations
For multinational organizations, the geographic footprint of an inventory counting service is a critical selection factor. Managing inventory counts across multiple countries with multiple providers introduces coordination challenges, inconsistent methodologies, and reporting fragmentation.
CPCON operates in more than 30 countries across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. This global presence allows multinational organizations to standardize their counting methodology, technology platform, and reporting format across all locations through a single provider relationship. CPCON's international operations include local teams with knowledge of regional regulatory requirements and business practices.
RGIS operates primarily in the United States and Canada. While RGIS has had some international presence historically, the company's global footprint is more limited compared to providers that have invested in building local operations across multiple continents.
Multi-Country Considerations
Organizations with operations in 5+ countries should evaluate their inventory counting provider on these dimensions:
- Local teams vs. travel teams: Providers with established local teams in each country typically deliver lower travel costs and faster mobilization.
- Regulatory knowledge: Tax, customs, and accounting standards vary by jurisdiction. The counting partner should understand local GAAP, IFRS adoption status, and regulatory requirements.
- Centralized reporting: Multi-country counting projects should produce standardized reports that consolidate into the parent organization's reporting framework.
- Language capabilities: Counting teams need to work effectively with local warehouse and operations staff regardless of language.
Pricing Considerations
Neither CPCON nor RGIS publishes standard pricing for inventory count services, as project costs depend on multiple variables specific to each engagement. However, understanding the factors that drive pricing helps organizations make informed comparisons.
Factors That Affect Inventory Counting Cost
| Cost Factor | Impact on Price |
|---|---|
| Number of locations | More locations increase total project cost but may reduce per-location cost through volume discounts |
| Inventory volume (SKU count) | Higher SKU counts require more counting hours and potentially larger teams |
| Technology requirements | RFID-based counts have higher upfront costs but may reduce ongoing labor costs and improve accuracy |
| Geographic spread | Multi-country projects require local coordination, travel, and potentially different compliance protocols |
| Reporting complexity | Custom reports, ERP integration, and multi-level variance analysis add to project scope |
| Counting frequency | Annual vs. quarterly vs. monthly counts affect pricing; ongoing programs may qualify for lower rates |
| Industry-specific requirements | Regulated industries (healthcare, nuclear, government) require additional protocols, certifications, and documentation |
When evaluating pricing, organizations should look beyond the per-unit or per-hour counting cost and consider the total cost of ownership. This includes accuracy rates (inventory errors have real financial consequences), technology integration costs, reporting and reconciliation time, and the potential need for additional vendors to cover services like fixed asset management or valuation — which CPCON bundles into a single relationship.
Pricing Best Practice
- Request detailed proposals: Both CPCON and RGIS provide custom quotes. Request a detailed scope of work that specifies team size, technology used, deliverables, and timeline.
- Compare total cost of ownership: A lower per-count price may not represent the best value if accuracy rates are lower, reporting is less detailed, or additional vendors are needed for related services.
- Ask about multi-year agreements: Organizations with recurring counting needs may negotiate more favorable rates through multi-year service agreements.
When to Choose CPCON Over RGIS
CPCON is typically the stronger choice for organizations in the following situations:
- Multi-country operations: Organizations operating in 5+ countries benefit from CPCON's 30+ country presence, which provides standardized methodology and consolidated reporting across all locations.
- Need for integrated asset management: Companies that require fixed asset management alongside inventory counting — such as asset tagging, depreciation tracking, or asset verification — can consolidate both functions under CPCON rather than managing multiple vendors.
- RFID implementation projects: Organizations planning or expanding RFID tracking systems benefit from CPCON's end-to-end RFID expertise, from tag selection through reader deployment to software integration.
- Healthcare, government, or energy sector: These industries have specialized compliance requirements (HIPAA, GASB, NRC, NERC) that CPCON addresses with industry-specific protocols and trained teams.
- Valuation or cost segregation needs: CPCON's valuation advisory and cost segregation services allow organizations to combine physical verification with financial valuation — a capability RGIS does not offer.
- Complex manufacturing environments: Factories with raw materials, WIP, finished goods, MRO parts, and fixed assets across multiple buildings benefit from CPCON's ability to count all asset categories in a single engagement.
- M&A due diligence: Acquiring companies that need pre-close or post-close asset verification and valuation can leverage CPCON's combined counting and advisory capabilities.
When RGIS May Be a Better Fit
Fairness and transparency matter in any comparison. RGIS may be the more appropriate choice for certain organizations:
- Pure retail focus with merchandising needs: Retailers who need inventory counting bundled with store resets, planogram execution, and merchandising services will find RGIS offers an integrated retail operations package that CPCON does not provide.
- US-only operations with straightforward counting: Single-country retailers with standard barcode-based inventory and no need for fixed asset management or RFID may find RGIS offers a streamlined, retail-optimized solution.
- Pharmacy inventory specialization: RGIS has deep experience in pharmacy inventory counting, including controlled substance protocols, which is a specific niche within their service portfolio.
- High-frequency retail counts: Large retail chains that run weekly or bi-weekly partial counts across hundreds of stores may benefit from RGIS's large pool of retail-experienced counting specialists.
The most important factor is alignment between the provider's core capabilities and the organization's specific requirements. Neither CPCON nor RGIS is universally "better" — each is designed to excel in different contexts.
How to Evaluate and Choose the Right Inventory Counting Partner
Selecting the right inventory counting company requires a structured evaluation that goes beyond brand recognition. Use the following framework to compare CPCON, RGIS, or any other inventory counting service provider:
- Define your complete requirements: List every service you need — not just physical counts, but also fixed asset management, RFID, valuation, and technology integration. Evaluate which provider can deliver the full scope.
- Assess industry relevance: Request case studies or references from completed projects in your specific industry. Generic counting experience does not substitute for sector-specific compliance knowledge.
- Evaluate technology fit: Determine whether your organization needs RFID, barcode-only, or a hybrid approach. Evaluate each provider's ability to integrate with your ERP system and existing technology infrastructure.
- Map geographic requirements: If you operate in multiple countries, confirm the provider has established local teams (not just the ability to "travel to" those countries) in each market.
- Request pilot projects: Before committing to a multi-year agreement, consider running a pilot count at one or two locations to evaluate accuracy, team professionalism, reporting quality, and client service responsiveness.
- Compare total cost: Evaluate all-in costs including travel, technology, reporting, and any additional vendors needed to cover gaps in the primary provider's service portfolio.
Ready to Compare?
CPCON provides complimentary consultations and detailed project proposals at no cost. Whether you are currently using RGIS and evaluating alternatives, or selecting an inventory counting partner for the first time, CPCON's team can provide a scope assessment tailored to your industry, location count, and technology requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CPCON better than RGIS for inventory counting?
The answer depends on the organization's specific requirements. CPCON is typically the stronger fit for companies that need multi-country coverage, RFID implementation, fixed asset management, or specialized industry expertise in sectors like healthcare, energy, or government. RGIS is often the better choice for US-based retailers who need inventory counting combined with merchandising and store reset services. Both companies provide professional physical inventory counts — the key differentiator is the breadth and type of additional services each offers.
How much does professional inventory counting cost?
Inventory counting costs vary based on location count, SKU volume, technology requirements, geographic spread, and reporting complexity. Both CPCON and RGIS provide custom quotes rather than publishing fixed pricing. Organizations should request detailed proposals that include scope of work, team composition, technology to be deployed, and deliverables. When comparing quotes, consider total cost of ownership — including accuracy impact, ERP integration, and whether additional vendors are needed for related services.
Do CPCON and RGIS offer free quotes?
Yes. Both companies typically provide complimentary initial consultations and project proposals. CPCON's free assessment includes a scope review, technology recommendation, and detailed proposal. To receive the most accurate quote from either provider, prepare information about your location count, approximate SKU volume, current counting methodology, required technology, and desired reporting format.
Which inventory counting company has better technology?
CPCON and RGIS take different technology approaches. CPCON offers a broader technology platform including full RFID implementation (tag deployment, reader infrastructure, and software integration), IoT-enabled asset tracking, and real-time ERP integration. RGIS uses reliable barcode-based counting technology optimized for retail environments. The right choice depends on whether an organization needs advanced RFID and IoT capabilities or a focused barcode scanning solution for retail inventory.
Can CPCON count retail inventory like RGIS does?
Yes. CPCON provides physical inventory counting services for retail environments including store-level counts, distribution center audits, and shrinkage analysis. The difference is that CPCON does not offer retail merchandising services (store resets, planogram execution) that RGIS provides as part of its retail package. For organizations that need counting only — without merchandising — CPCON delivers comparable retail counting capabilities with the added benefit of RFID technology and broader service integration.
