To check the accuracy of their perpetual inventory records. 2. To determine the amount of inventory lost due to wasted raw materials, shoplifting, or employee theft. Companies using a periodic inventory system take a physical inventory for two different purposes: to determine the inventory on hand at the statement of financial position date, and to determine the cost of goods sold for the period. Determining inventory quantities involves two steps: (1) taking a physical inventory of goods on hand and (2) determining the ownership of goods