From a manufacturing perspective, inventory is everything for business owners that can significantly impact their financial well-being. That is why effective inventory management is of utmost importance for manufacturers or other businesses that keep things on the shelves.
In this article, we delve into powerful inventory management strategies that business owners can adopt to efficiently manage their inventory.
Inventory Management Strategies Explained
Manufacturing companies employ a variety of strategies to manage their inventory levels effectively. These strategies involve monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the inventory based on its arrival from suppliers, importance in the manufacturing process, and value. The significance of efficient inventory management cannot be overstated as it enables manufacturers to fulfill orders in a timely, streamlined, and cost-effective manner while minimizing excess stock.
Strategies to Help with Inventory Management
Knowing how many of a certain item is on the shelf is one thing, but diving into more in-depth data behind the inventory is where businesses can excel. The first step to having strong inventory management is utilizing a capable system that gives a deeper level of visibility. Something like NetSuite's Inventory Management system is a solid stepping stone for business owners looking for more out of their inventory management.
These strategies are essential for businesses looking to enhance their efficiency and reduce unnecessary expenses. Implementing these strategies will not only help minimize waste and lost opportunities but also optimize overall operations.
First In, First Out (FIFO): FIFO is a strategy in which the oldest inventory is used first. It is considered one of the simpler strategies, but it is most useful for products that have a shelf life.
Last In, First Out (LIFO): LIFO is another relatively simple strategy, the opposite of FIFO, in which the most recent products added to inventory are the first ones used. While this may not initially make the most sense, business owners use the strategy with the assumption that new inventory costs more than old inventory. This allows businesses to recoup their investments sooner. It also leads to a higher cost of goods sold (COGS), which has its tax benefits.
Just-In-Time (JIT): The JIT inventory strategy means that manufacturers only have enough inventory to create what is needed. This method reduces the amount of money that is tied up in inventory but also relies heavily on suppliers that are quick and reliable. Any sort of disruption in the supply chain can affect the business operations.
Economic Order Quantity (EOQ): EOQ is a model that helps companies determine the ideal quantity of units to purchase to meet demand while minimizing inventory costs. It allows businesses to analyze how much needs to be purchased to keep up with demand, while not ending up with an overstock of inventory.
Cycle Counting: Cycle counting plays a vital role in maintaining the accuracy of a business's inventory records. As an integral part of the auditing process, this inventory management strategy involves regularly counting specific batches of inventory, sometimes even daily, to identify and resolve any discrepancies. By doing so, businesses can ensure precise accounting and investigate any potential errors that may arise.
ABC Inventory Analysis: The ABC Inventory Analysis is a valuable tool for businesses to prioritize their inventory based on factors such as demand, cost, and risks. By categorizing inventory into groups A, B, and C, with A representing the most valuable items, manufacturers can make informed decisions on what to stock, how much to stock, and when to reorder. This method not only helps optimize inventory management but also aids in the process of cycle counting, ensuring accurate and efficient tracking of inventory levels.
Cloud-Based Inventory Management: A cloud-based solution relies on technology to support the previous strategies, using a centralized platform that is accessible 24/7. For example, a cloud-based digital inventory management system can automatically track inventory in real-time, ensuring that manufacturers have enough stock to meet customer demand and notifying them when inventory levels have dropped below a certain threshold. The system can also calculate inventory KPIs, forecast product demand, and enhance collaboration with suppliers.
NetSuite's Inventory Management system is a game-changer for organizations looking to revolutionize their inventory operations. With its powerful features, it empowers businesses to optimize inventory levels, maximize profitability, and minimize costs. By providing comprehensive visibility into stock at every location, decision-makers can easily monitor and reallocate inventory as needed. Moreover, this innovative solution effectively handles fluctuations in demand, leveraging valuable historical and seasonal sales data.
