Frequently Asked Questions

Management

Some questions that perhaps should be asked in regard to your inventory management ...


How can I proactively manage my inventory investment as business conditions change?
Q: How can I proactively manage my inventory investment as business conditions change?

If a downturn hits and hits quickly it is often all you can do to cut and cut quickly.

How can I set the right branch or store inventory levels as business conditions change?
Q: How can I set the right branch or store inventory levels as business conditions change?

Risk needs to be avoided. Every dollar of inventory investment has to be stretched as far as possible. True for you, but also true for your customer.

How do I factor in forecast accuracy, supplier lead times and variability, service level targets and order cycle periods into my safety stock calculations?
Q: How do I factor in forecast accuracy, supplier lead times and variability, service level targets and order cycle periods into my safety stock calculations?

Many ERP packages employ some very simple techniques to handle what are unfortunately very complex issues.

How much effort is required to get the forecast right and how much is this worth?
Q: How much effort is required to get the forecast right and how much is this worth?

Forecast sales is not the only factor that must be adequately estimated.

How can I effectively manage a large range of products easily and still improve turnover and service levels?
Q: How can I effectively manage a large range of products easily and still improve turnover and service levels?

Managing tens of thousands of products across a network, even just a thousand or more in a branch can raise many challenges

How can I justify changing my inventory management approach when we have constraints on capital investment?
Q: How can I justify changing my inventory management approach when we have constraints on capital investment?

In spite of the fact cash might be a bit tight right now the case for change might still be fairly compelling, including...

Can following better disciplines with my present system help me achieve what micq-if could?
Q: Can following better disciplines with my present system help me achieve what micq-if could?

There is no escaping the need for disciplines and cultural change.