Thursday, 19 April 2012

Planning And Controlling Your Inventory

Inventory is one of the most important assets that most businesses possess as the turnover of inventory represents the primary sources of revenue generation. Proper control and planning of the inventory is crucial for ensuring adequate stock in hand for the amount of sales being generated. Possessing a high amount of inventory for long periods can be detrimental to a business as it runs the risk of losing out on potential sales and potential market as well. Inventory management and strategies can help minimize inventory costs because goods will be created or received as inventory only when needed.

Inventory control involves tracking all parts and materials purchased, products processed and products stored and ready for shipment. Modern inventory management processes are very effective in inventory reduction and minimization. Emphasis is kept on keeping the inventory down so as not to consume too much cash. Most of the inventory control problems arise due to using poor processes, practices and antiquated support systems. A little planning can go a long way in ensuring the inventory is well managed and a business saves on its costs of managing excessive inventory.

There are many methods that can help you accurately judge the customer demand and calculate the inventory you will need to meet your level of customer service. The main processes of inventory control management are as follows:
  • Sales and operations planning
  • Sales forecasting
  • Finished goods inventory deployment planning
Material requirements planning ensure that the inventory is planned and ordered to effect the delivery of materials. Inventory optimization techniques are used to mathematically calculate where the inventory should be deployed to satisfy the predetermined supply chain objectives. Businessmen also resort to physical inventory control to keep a track of the inventory that has been received, its movement, stocking and the overall physical control of inventories.

Inventory represents the second largest expense in businesses and business owners create internal policies and procedures for inventory control and planning. This results in the generation of higher profits for businesses. It limits the amount of obsolete inventory in the company which leads to fewer losses. Inventory policies and procedures also cut down on the employee abuse of inventory. Loose work environments result in stolen inventory which lead to financial losses. It’s important for business owners to consider implementing business technology to help manage the inventory. These days, the access to business and accounting software provides business owners with electronic methods of ordering, receiving, managing and selling inventory which saves on their time and significantly increases their productivity.

McLane Logistics Technology provides customized Inventory Management Software system to efficiently manage the respective inventory of different businesses. For more details visit McLane Logistics Technology, 4001 Central Pointe Parkway, Temple, TX 76504 or call us at 1-800-989-7568.