Slimstock’s guide to making sense of your inventory and how much to order using the ABC / XYZ Analysis framework Working for a small business often means your office is in a spare room or garage, and ordering can be done by simply looking to see what inventory you’re low on. However, once you begin

Owning, maintaining, and managing inventory costs a lot of effort and money. However, you need to have enough in stock to deliver customer service: no inventory, no deal. This paper provides you with the basic knowledge you need for the optimization of your order quantities. Ordering the right quantities will lower your operational expenses while

Working capital fuels your business, but it can be easily eroded. The more inventory you have in stock, the less working capital you have available. Further, the higher the risk that that inventory will become dead stock, meaning it will never contribute to your bottom line at all. Utilizing a structured approach to your working

The ultimate assortment conundrum From prangs and punctures to general wear and tear, every car endures a lifetime of hardship. To prolong the life of these vehicles, a sophisticated aftermarket spare parts industry has taken off. Although Billions are spent every year on automotive parts and components, businesses operating in this sector face intensifying pressure

It seems that from coast to coast Americans are getting on their bikes in startling numbers. The National Household Travel Survey showed that the number of trips made by bicycle in the U.S. more than doubled from 1.7 billion in 2001 to 4 billion in 2009. Nationwide, the number of people who travelled to work

While the sales team may expect consistently high levels of availability in order to satisfy customer demand, the finance team are typically more interested in inventory cost. Consequently, operational teams are under constant pressure to strike the balance between service levels and investment in stock. However, in order to ensure that supply chain decisions are

Businesses in the building trade typically rely on a global network of suppliers to satisfy the needs of their customers. Consequently, lengthy lead times of up to several months are the norm for businesses in this sector. As a result, suppliers and distributors of building materials depend upon accurate long-range demand forecasts in order to

When it comes to building products, customers expect suppliers to be able to provide anything and everything at a moment’s notice. In response to this demand, many businesses in the building industry have exploded their assortments to encompass many thousands of different SKUs. The problem is, however, how much do you really know about the

Sun, Sea & Stormy Supply Chains Supplier closures are disruptive at the best of times. However, as your suppliers down tools to enjoy a well-deserved summer break, your business could become dangerously exposed to lengthy lead times, delays and even stock outs. What can you do to maintain a harmonious operation during what could be

As you prepare for some rest and relaxation in the summer sun, supplier holiday closures are probably the last thing you want to think about. However, as entire workforces down tools to enjoy a well-deserved break, businesses further down the supply chain are left dangerously exposed to lengthy lead times, delays and even stock outs.