Bean counting is a term used to describe the act of meticulously tracking and accounting for every minute detail. While it can be an essential skill in certain professions, it is often used negatively to describe overly meticulous behavior or an excessive focus on minor details instead of the bigger picture. There are several synonyms for bean counting, including nitpicking, micromanaging, scrutinizing, tallying, counting, and scrutinizing. These words all suggest a level of detail-oriented attention, but without the negative connotation of being too focused on the minor details. Synonyms for bean counting may be more positive depending on the context in which they are used.