Read changes carefully

Two counts are evidence to inspect.

Choose two saved BatchTrace copies to see their entered quantities, expected stock and counted-minus-expected differences side by side. This does not replace the working worksheet or alter either saved copy.

Check context first

A and B follow your selection order. The tool does not infer chronology from free-text cutoffs. Compare location, period and physical count cutoff; include source snapshot times and descriptions when you need them. Confirm that each product code still means the same item and unit.

What B minus A means

If A counted 20 pieces and B counted 18, the arithmetic change is −2. It does not establish that two pieces were sold, lost or written off. Differences between reconciliation residuals also do not prove recovery or improvement: the underlying opening stock and movement records may have changed.

Missing is not zero

Codes are paired without case or surrounding whitespace, matching the worksheet identity rules. A product present in only one count is explicitly unmatched. Its missing counterpart is not filled with zero and no paired delta is calculated.

Choose what leaves the browser

The comparison includes names, locations, periods, physical cutoffs, save timestamps and quantities. Source descriptions/times and review notes are excluded unless selected. Review the exact text and mark it reviewed before downloading. Any selection, inclusion or worksheet/library change clears the prepared export. Public labels can still contain personal information you entered.

Keep the originals

The comparison is a text report, not a restorable backup. Download a full backup to preserve the entire collection. Copies remain local, editable records; they are not independent verification or a tamper-proof audit log.