Inventory Management

What is Decoupling Inventory? Definition, Methods, Differences and Effect on the Supply Chain in 2024

What is Decoupling Inventory? Definition, Methods, Differences and Effect on the Supply Chain in 2024

Inventory is a basic asset of any business operation, so inventory management becomes an essential task. Inventory management includes more than just arranging the items on shelves, picking them up when an order comes in and delivering it to the customer. It also comes with a lot of uncertainties. These uncertainties are part of operating a business and managing them by taking the appropriate steps is a sign of efficient business skills. Events such as the global pandemic and supply chain disruptions caused due to the war in Ukraine have highlighted many challenges and lack of inventory is one of them. Depending on the nature of a business, there could be a shortage of semiconductors, edible oil, medicines, etc. So to maintain functional production and supply operations, forecasting needs to occur. Decoupling inventory is one part of it and it needs to be implemented to prevent stock-out situations and grinding operations to a halt. What is Decoupling Inventory? Decoupling inventory, also known as decoupling stock, is the process of separating extra inventory within a production process to ensure smoothness in every operation. Buffer inventory is stored in order to prevent one step of production from causing delays in other steps.  Manufacturers need to ensure that if any of the machines involved in production breaks down or slows down production rate at any point, production does not get affected. An Example of Decoupling Inventory For different purposes, the relevant decoupling inventory example can vary depending on the situation. One example for a manufacturing unit is as follows: If a manufacturer makes bread and biscuits that require the use of flour, they must purchase a huge amount of wheat to grind it into flour. For processes such as grinding, backing, kneading and cutting, various machines are put into use. If any of the machines get damaged or stop working due to an issue, the entire production process can get delayed. In order to mitigate this, the manufacturer can use the principle of decoupling inventory to keep extra flour if the grinding machine fails, keep some buffer knead to cut it and shape it for future steps. If the kneading machine fails then there should be another way to knead it, bake it or use the flour to make something else from the items in the product line that the company offers. This is a good decoupling inventory example that other businesses can emulate in order to prevent a delay in multiple other processes, just because one operation isn’t going to plan. [contactus_gynoveda] How Can You Achieve Decoupling Inventory? Most online retailers will keep extra stock to ensure that client orders are fulfilled on time. Many times, the order frequency gets too high. For example, if the monsoon arrives early, umbrella sellers will get more orders and may struggle to fulfill them. If you sell a product on your website and multiple other sales channels that needs to be a handmade item or requires assembly, it will benefit you to learn about how decoupling inventory can help you optimize your processes. Here is a step-by-step guide to completely comprehend how decoupling inventory works: Calculate your sales and production capacity.Determine the current raw material or work-in-progress inventory levels at each decoupling point in your manufacturing line.Analyze previous order data and patterns to forecast demand strategically.Determine the amount of extra raw materials you can keep on hand after demand has been met.Establish a predetermined inventory replenishment strategy based on the average delivery deadlines for each material after you know the quantity of raw materials to have on hand.Maintain accurate inventory records and historical order trends for each SKU and adjust your decoupling inventory purchase orders as needed. Keep in mind that your decoupling inventory replenishment approach will need to be tweaked over time. Decoupling inventory will not only require additional space in your warehouse but also you will have to dedicate resources towards holding and securing it. So the holding cost limit that you have set should not be surpassed. Always keep an eye on your holding expenses and avoid building up too much surplus inventory, especially if your raw materials have expiration dates or are prone to becoming obsolete. Advantages of Decoupling Inventory Maintains Buffer Stock for Repairs and Maintenance Decoupling inventory is particularly advantageous in the event of a facility outage for repairs or machine maintenance. Manufacturers can still fulfill orders on time despite any failure of equipment failure if they have adequate decoupling inventory on hand at every step of production. This enables them to use this inventory as a substitute to bypass the failure and enable normal production speed and efficiency. Provides Protection During Periods of Uncertainty When manufacturers are unable to obtain sufficient raw materials to finish producing a product, the work-in-progress manufacturing line slows or stops completely. Decoupled inventory is stored at each level of the production line to offer protection against any uncertainties that could occur and constructs a resilient failure-proof supply chain. This means that no matter which stage of the manufacturing process a product is in, there should be enough raw materials on hand to continue production without any delays. This is especially useful for companies that make a lot of goods with similar parts or ingredients. Helps to Avoid Stock Outs Decoupling inventory is a strategy for ensuring on-time retail fulfillment, particularly if the items you offer require machinery or assembly to fulfill a customer order. When you sell finished products through dropshipping or direct fulfillment that is done by the manufacturer, you do not have control over the manufacturing process. There are, nevertheless, measures to ensure that demand is met despite production delays. To reduce the risk of inventory shortages, partnering with manufacturers or suppliers can be a good option. However, this isn't the only technique to avoid bottlenecks in your supply chain. You can forecast demand and keep safety stock with you at all times to offset the chances of a shortage in inventory or raw materials. Decoupling Inventory vs Pipeline Inventory Though they have some similarities in terms of advantages, they are not used in the same way. Decoupling inventory and pipeline inventory both aid supply chain efficiency, with the primary purpose of both being to avoid wastage of time and reduced productivity. [table id=30 /] How Does Decoupling Inventory Affect the Supply Chain? Decoupling inventory operates alongside the material flow as well as the informational flow pipelines in the supply chain. Without decoupling points, a supplier error or downtime might have a negative impact on the demand and supply of products. Decoupling, for the most part, works inside the supply chain by emphasizing the prevention of time waste or downtime in relation to productivity. The use of manufacturing automation to streamline the production process is emphasized by these decoupling points. Manufacturing automation includes several features that make production more efficient such as order management, parts tracking, outlined/identified production stages, inventory management, etc. In case of a lack of ability to decouple inventory, production can get lower and then it can affect the following aspects of the supply chain: Impacts Dropshipping Some retailers opt for the manufacturer to fulfill orders to customers directly. In this case, sellers only focus on confirming orders on their website or other selling platforms. If decoupling inventory is not done properly and there are hindrances in the production process, manufacturers may be unable to fulfill orders due to various issues which will result in unhappy customers and negative feedback for the business. Affects the Purchasing of Inventory Many types of small and medium-sized eCommerce sellers purchase a minimum order quantity (MOQ) and economic order quantity (EOQ). If a manufacturer has low amounts of inventory in stock, there are fewer chances for the seller to get enough inventory to fulfill orders in a timely manner. Thus, the seller will have to settle with what the manufacturer has and is quoting, which may be much more expensive than ordering on the basis of MOQ and EOQ. Increases Freight Rate In case there is a stock shortage and sellers have to fulfill multiple orders, they will have to opt to obtain the goods from other warehouses which may be located in other regions, in order to not keep customers waiting. This process can work out to be much more expensive as sellers will have to incur extra freight charges to transport the commodities from those warehouses and can also result in delays as products are not being shipped from a warehouse that is in close proximity to the customer. Hinders Seasonal Sales When there is an uncertainty of inventory due to a lack of decoupling inventory, a seller cannot run flash sales or fulfill demand during a season sale which will ultimately lower the profit and cash flow and remove a seller’s ability to get rid of obsolete or low-demand inventory. Lowers Sales Velocity A higher sales velocity is always beneficial for a seller. They are often ready to compromise on profit margins to focus on selling more products because that is the way to generate high revenue and increase profit margins. However, if there is a shortage of inventory or other issues in the supply chain, sellers are often unable to achieve the desired sales velocity because they do not have the means to do so. 3 Different Methods to Avoid Stockouts Automate Order Placement If you are an eCommerce seller, technology plays a huge role in your business. The Internet of Things(IoT) is one of them. If you apply IoT for not only selling and tracking goods but also for procurement of inventory that you will be selling in the future, you can avoid any errors or miscalculations that could occur if it is done manually. This helps you to generate the data for future orders and optimizes your inventory.  Through the use of technology, multiple facets of the business can be automated such as order placement, inventory management and order fulfillment. This will help increase the speed and accuracy of these processes. Keep Buffer Stock Handy Online retailers can utilize safety stock to determine how much extra inventory they can afford to have on hand in case of an emergency or supply chain failure that could cause a delay in order fulfillment, similar to how decoupling inventory works. The amount of safety stock you'll need is calculated using the following formula: Safety Stock = (Maximum Lead Time x Maximum Daily Usage) – (Average Daily Usage x Average Lead Time) However, keeping too much buffer stock can also lead to obsolescence and further expenses so it is best to calculate this accurately. Use a Warehouse Management System It is possible to strategically estimate future demand by collecting and evaluating precise past supply chain data. Though no forecast is 100% accurate, thanks to the rise and accessibility of digital supply chain technologies, forecasting demand is becoming easier to manage, allowing online retailers to make better judgments about inventory levels. Investing in technology that delivers real-time supply chain analytics and inventory forecasting insights will help you ensure that you have enough inventory throughout your supply chain to fulfill demand. A centralized warehouse management system (WMS) such as the one used in WareIQ's logistics network, collects and records real-time inventory data which helps in inventory planning and management. Conclusion: How Can WareIQ Help in Decoupling Inventory? Inventory Management Solutions provided by WareIQ will help you track inventory in real-time and provide insights to assist you to improve stock availability. Its inventory management apps for eCommerce businesses allow you to create automated reorder point notifications based on prior inventory performance at the SKU level, so you'll know when you're running low on stock. WareIQ is a trusted and tested technology platform that gives you all the inventory details you need and lists all the variations in a single dashboard. Experts control every aspect of inventory management. You get the data and insights you need with WareIQ to gain control over the movement of inventory, lower carrying costs and ensure you always have enough inventory on hand to fulfill demand. Our intelligent method of inventory management ensures balanced inventory in multiple locations according to the order traffic and proximity to customers. Decoupling Inventory: FAQs How does WareIQ manage to decouple inventory?Inventory management systems using advance AI and ML platforms assist with inventory planning and management, demand forecasting and automation of warehouse processes to help eCommerce sellers tackle situations and manage decoupling inventory. What is the decoupling point in logistics?The Material Decoupling Point (MDP) is where push meets pull in the supply chain's materials pipeline. It often coincides with stock-holding points like warehouses or fulfillment centers. What are the step-by-step processes To implement inventory management?1. Determine your budget2. Make a warehousing plan3. Make a preliminary order list4. Select and implement the appropriate software5. Decide on a pricing range6. Recognize your true requirements7. Determine specific integrations you’ll require What is MRO inventory?MRO refers to components that are utilized in the manufacturing process but are not included in the final product, unlike raw materials. The consumable materials, equipment and supplies required for maintenance, repair and operations are included in the MRO inventory. What is hedge inventory?Hedge inventory is surplus inventory kept in stock as a buffer to limit the risks in case of any uncertainty or future price volatility.

June 20, 2022

Stock Audit: Objectives, Importance and 10 Procedures for Inventory Audit in eCommerce

Stock Audit: Objectives, Importance and 10 Procedures for Inventory Audit in eCommerce

Inventories contain finished goods for sale in the ordinary course of business, work-in-progress goods, supplies, and goods employed in manufacturing goods and order fulfillment services. Because inventory is critical to any firm, performing an inventory control audit is crucial. The procedure entails determining whether the entity holds the inventory value recorded in the entity's books. While performing stock audits internally or through external auditors, the organization should consider the following considerations. These factors include whether the company's inventory can be physically counted by hand, whether the Inventory is held in the company's warehouse or a third-party facility, and if the audit time is adequate. These considerations will aid in determining the audit method and schedule. What is a Stock Audit? A stock audit, also known as an inventory audit, ensures that the actual products are accessible in your store's warehouse corresponding to the stock registry findings. The Inventory audit procedure entails validating or cross-checking an inventory's financial records with its physical count. External auditors or internal firm employees carry out the stock audit, and the auditors use a variety of audit processes, which we will go over in detail. "The global financial auditing professional services market size was assessed at USD 109.21 billion in 2017," according to Grand View Research. From 2018 to 2025, it is expected to grow at a 7.4% compound annual growth rate." An audit can be divided into two main categories: Internal Audit Internal audits can be carried out in which the team examines the process, assets, and inventories. The company employs an auditor and reports to the CEO or the organization's senior management. When a company wants to prepare for an external audit, it conducts an internal audit. Another situation is when they are unsure about inventory or another issue. External Audit An external audit is a review undertaken by a non-affiliated accountant. This sort of audit is most typically used to get a certification of an entity's financial statements. Confident investors and lenders, as well as all publicly traded companies, demand this certification. Inventory Audit Objectives The main inventory audit objective is to compare and contrast financial inventory records with physical counts. However, because financial records are kept internally, there is a potential that they are wrong due to human mistakes, omission, or purposeful manipulation for personal gain, which is considered fraud. A stock audit ensures that these errors are avoided and that the audit is carried out correctly to present a truthful and fair picture of the organization's inventory situation. Therefore, inventory auditing involves verifying or cross-checking inventory counts and the quality and condition of inventory that is not recorded in financial records. The following are the stock audit objectives- Verifying Physical Existence As previously stated, the primary goal of a stock audit is to cross-reference financial data with physical counts. While conducting a stock audit, auditors keep an eye on the inventory counting process to verify if it is being done efficiently. They choose a sample of commodities to see whether physical counts correspond to financial records and vice versa. Examining the Operations Accuracy An auditor checks to see if the inventory counting system is accurate, and they do it using a statistical sample approach. Ownership Rights Another goal of the inventory audit is to evaluate whether the firm genuinely owns the inventory it has documented. Evaluation of Realizable Value One of the audit's goals is to see if the inventories are reported in the general ledger at the proper value. In addition, the auditor examines whether or not damaged and low-quality products are documented at a realizable value. Importance of Inventory Audit Inventory is a critical component of any organization, which is why auditing inventory is crucial. Inventory auditing is essential for gathering proof, especially for retail businesses. In addition, it may deal with a massive asset or capital balance. Inspecting Inventory should validate the amount of supply, quality, and condition to see if the stock's worth is accurately represented in financial records and articulations. The following points will help you understand the importance of stock audit- Inventory audits are necessary to compare the actual number of things in stock to accounting records, compensating for variances and allowing for shrinkage so that the ledger represents accurate values.A Stock audit will indicate which physical commodities or products are overstocked or understocked. This will allow you to stock your firm appropriately and effectively, allowing you to optimize earnings.Auditing inventory is required to eliminate wasteful stock investments and maintain correct line balancing in operation.An Inventory audit is required to compare accurate physical counts with company data. Auditing inventory will provide an actual image of what you own compared to the recorded stocks. If this count is done correctly, which will offer you a knowledge of the company's financial health. Inventory balances are frequently misstated, and this has a direct impact on reported profit.An inventory control audit will also uncover any faults with your warehouse practices, whether at the receiving dock or during packaging. This might assist in identifying any possible inefficiencies in the process, such as warehouse disorganization and delayed retrieval techniques.Stock levels that are too high sometimes lead to wasteful overstocking, resulting in poor cash flow and financial loss. A stock audit performed at regular intervals will aid in the resolution of this problem. It also aids in identifying any obsolete product in stock or orders mistakenly delivered to clients, which might result in financial loss and permanent harm to the company's image. [contactus_gynoveda] The Stock Audit Process While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to conducting an audit, there are key stages and activities that are similar to most audits: Demand Forecasting and Stockpiling Running out of stock would be the worst thing that could happen to you during the stock audit. After all, you don't want to put your entire business on pause while the audit is conducted. Of course, this isn't always possible, and some smaller businesses may be able to shut down for a day, but this is a dangerous approach. That is why, prior to auditing, it is critical to dive deeply into the data you have on hand to forecast future demand. Count the Tangible Items Here, there are a variety of techniques and methodologies to consider. For example, you can browse your warehouse's shelves item by item and document everything you see. You may perform a cutoff analysis to make things simpler by putting your entire business on hold during the audit, but this might lead to various concerns. You might instead try a cycle count, which does not need you to count your whole stock at once. You can specify a product type to audit within a specific term with a cycle count. It's less exact than a comprehensive physical count, but it's less disruptive to your business. You can also do a spot check audit, in which you merely evaluate one or two goods to discover any recordkeeping errors. If there are no discrepancies, you may assume that your sources are current and your stock is safe. Double-check your findings While doing everything twice may seem excessive, double-checking in-stock audits are necessary. Human error is a concern here, and the project scope is frequently too large to entrust to a single source. This is why it's critical to double-check your findings. Mix and match your auditing tactics (as long as you can justify it), give UPC tags or QR codes to each item to digitize the process for your future self, and employ a helping hand - there are lots of possibilities here; make sure the final count is as accurate as possible. Compare Between Your Results and The Financial Records It's time to compare your results to your sales records after you've tallied all of your physical merchandise. Any differences or mismatches signify the start of a distinct process of locating the problem's cause. 10 Best Procedures for Stock Audit Some audit processes can be used to accomplish stock audits. Ten of the most popular audit processes are listed below- Count of Physical Inventory The most typical method for conducting an inventory audit is to use a spreadsheet. It entails physically counting all of your inventory items and comparing the results to the numbers in your system. This is simpler for organizations that utilize a just-in-time inventory system or regularly compute their economic order quantity. Counting the Inventory Cycle Cycle counting, like physical counting, is manually counting a number of goods and comparing them to your system. On the other hand, cycle counts are done on a limited number of items regularly. This means you may do more frequent audits of your most valued items and avoid concerns like inventory loss. Analyze ABC Inventory ABC analysis is a method of categorizing goods based on their monetary worth, and this allows you to save and audit the groups that you wish. Analysis of the Cutoff Point You suspend all processes during the physical inventory count using this analysis. This eliminates the possibility of uncontrollable variables causing errors. Analytical Methods In this section, you may compare your inventory turnover ratio, gross margins, or unit costs to past years' statistics, allowing you to detect any unexpected spikes in volatility. Analysis of Overhead An overhead analysis is a thorough examination of all non-material costs. This covers rent, utilities, payroll, and other "invisible" inventory expenses. Analyze the Cost of Finished Items. For manufacturers and producers, this strategy is excellent. To guarantee that financial statements are accurate, all products are accounted for and valued upon completion. Analysis of Freight Costs This research looks at how much you spend on shipping and how long it takes (lead time). It also takes into consideration any losses or damage that occurred during transport. Shipping Invoice Matching This inventory audit is frequently performed at random by auditors. It entails matching the cost of sent goods to the number of items shipped. It ensures that no things are sent out at the incorrect price. Reconciliation of Products You must explore any problems discovered during your inventory count to reconcile items. This will allow you to note any SKU numbers that are prone to mistakes in the future. Stock Auditing Challenges and Solutions Almost every stock auditor must deal with some procedural difficulties at some time. Fortunately, they are usually minor annoyances that you should be aware of rather than significant issues that you should avoid at all costs. So, here are a few of the most prevalent stock audit issues: Stock management Is Time Consuming  It takes time since it necessitates a great deal of attention to detail and personnel. As a result, the best method to avoid this problem is to plan audits and allocate a suitable amount of time for them. The procedure might take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the magnitude of your surgery. No Real-Time Inventory View Most of the time, there is no real-time view of your inventory. Thus stock verification must be done regularly. Weekly or monthly auditing sessions may be excessive, but double-checking that the number of your actual things matches your sales record at least twice a year might save you a lot of pain. Procedure Cannot Be Automated Most audit procedures cannot be automated, and many operations must still be completed by hand. However, certain auditing activities may now be performed with the assistance of specialized software. Thus, our first recommendation is to invest in such a system. Aside from that, following the preceding two pieces of advice should reduce the manual labour you must do. Pauses Other Operations Inventory audits frequently disrupt other activities, creating delays in shipments and annoying in general. The most straightforward approach to avoid this is, once again, to plan ahead of time for your auditing and to rely on timely market research to estimate demand. 5 Benefits of Stock Audit in eCommerce Businesses A sound inventory management system may reduce audit frequency, length, and complexity. In addition, eCommerce inventory differs from traditional retail inventory in that sales can occur anywhere on the planet, making it more unpredictable. In today's digital environment, your inventory auditing processes must also be digital. The following are aided by employing technology that maintains inventory counts synchronized in real-time rather than using something static like Excel.  Profit Calculation Inventory audits can assist you in calculating correct earnings since inventory accounting accuracy informs your bottom line. Accounting for variations in inventory value over time as it pertains to production and expenses of goods sold can significantly influence your accounting records. Inventory audits can help reduce inventory shrinkage (when actual inventory levels are lower than accounting reports) and detect expensive, slow-moving items. Budgeting With Precision You can't budget for the next batch of merchandise you need to buy if you don't have an accurate system for keeping track of its value. When you know the precise inventory count you're going through and how much safety stock you should have, stock audits may help you budget better and more correctly. Look For Inefficiencies. Inventory that isn't selling rapidly (or at all), SKUs that are selling out quickly and generating frequent stockouts, inconsistencies with storage or inventory monitoring procedures, and other operational issues can be discovered through audits. By abandoning failing goods, doubling down on what's working, and improving other elements of your supply chain — from manufacturers to warehouse locations — you may enhance your company's financial health. Make The Most of Your Inventory Storage. The total of all expenses associated with carrying inventory, such as storage, labour, insurance, and rent, plus the value of damaged, expired, and out-of-date items, is known as holding costs. The more money you pay, the longer you keep merchandise and the more useless goods you have. Inventory audits can assist you in limiting these variables. Getting Rid of Phantom Inventory It's not beneficial for the business to have phantom inventory. Phantom inventory is inventory that is shown as being available at a storage place but is unavailable when you try to utilize it. It's one of the most common causes of shelf issues. But unfortunately, many businesses overlook this problem because they believe it is minor. On the other hand, asset and inventory audits can help you solve this problem. You may appropriately delete them from your business and business documents using auditing. However, it is impossible for it to exist because of this programme. 4 Ways to Optimize the Internal Audit of Inventory Management Process  Inventory audits address high-risk, high-value areas that firms need to be aware of to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of their inventory audits. Use the best practices listed below for your 2021 audit programme. Recognize Value and Risks of the Warehouse Examine the warehouse's accounting before entering. Spend time learning about the inventory, identifying outliers, and determining where the biggest value and risk are. Look for things that aren't like the rest of the population. Examining reconciliations and roll-forwards for reconciling items might reveal what management is having trouble with and where you should focus your efforts. This data can assist you in optimizing your stock audit so that you can focus more time on high-value products that pose the most danger to your financial statements. Consider Using a Qualitative Methodology. Asking as many questions as possible and not making any assumptions is the most effective method of learning the inventory system. Meet with management and warehouse teams in person or organize a video conference to discover how they receive inventory and process it in the design of record (SAP, Oracle, etc. ), as well as how they process and run reports. Ask specifically whether they are having any problems with the system and what efforts have been made to resolve them. These discussions will put you in a better position to spend your time where management is spending its time and having problems, allowing you to conduct a more successful audit. Look At The Cycle Count Results. Variations in cycle counts might help you figure out what's going on. However, these should not be utilized to determine fundamental causes but as symptoms to consider in conjunction with your other studies to complete the inventory system's picture. Strengthen Your Connections. Recognize that audit customers frequently have a negative impression of auditors. Therefore, make your audit clients allies by stating that the internal audit's purpose is to learn how they conduct their jobs so that improvements may be made to simplify their lives. When audit customers realize that the purpose of internal audit is to assist the organization rather than discover faults, they are more willing to cooperate. Conclusion A stock audit is an essential step for every eCommerce fulfillment services firm since it guarantees that everything operates properly and provides you with a clear picture of your financial situation. While audits by your fulfilment partner are not mandatory, they might be beneficial in the long run, especially if you run an international company with a variety of warehouses worldwide. Many logistics and fulfilment partners provide this service as a courtesy and may conduct inventory checks with minimum impact on your business. You'll be safe against the most common auditing problems in such a situation. Regular, thorough inventory reviews may help you avoid fraud, improve inventory management strategies, and increase income! Choosing WareIQ as your fulfillment platform helps your eCommerce businesses with inventory management, inventory planning, stock auditing & much more. [signup] Frequently Asked Questions What exactly is a stock audit?A stock audit, also known as an inventory audit, is a physical examination of a company's or institution's inventory holdings. Every firm should conduct an audit at least once a year to guarantee that the physical stock and calculated stock are in sync. What is the purpose of a stock audit report? ‍A stock audit report is used to capture the facts or information acquired during a stock audit concerning the company's existing stocks. Annual audit reports include critical information that firms employ in their financial accounts. What role do asset tags play in stock audits for businesses? ‍Asset tags are applied to assets and inventory and are vital to the physical verification process. Asset tags give real-time information since they include built-in technology such as barcodes, QR codes, RFID, and so on. Each tag has a unique identification number that is recorded in automated software, and you can know the information in real-time using these unique numbers. How do inventory audits work?Based on your procedures, historical trends, "where used" data, and inventory use statistics, the auditors will decide if the amounts you have recorded as allowances for old inventory or scrap are acceptable (as well as by physical observation during the physical count). How does WareIQ's fulfillment platform help with stock audit and inventory management?- You can track inventory across multiple warehouses & sales channels- You can use inventory & network planner to distribute/place inventory & warehouses, respectively, tolocations that allow you to optimize for speed and cost.- Auto-replenishments triggers remind you to proactively replenish inventory- It also allows you to bundle products in a way that enhances sell-through- You can also make inventory transfer requests from one warehouse to another

June 18, 2022
What is The Meaning Of Inventory Records? 4 Methods Of Maintaining Accurate Inventory Books In 2024

What is The Meaning Of Inventory Records? 4 Methods Of Maintaining Accurate Inventory Books In 2024

Inventory is the lifeblood of your company and it is continuously in motion across the supply chain. Examples of the movement of inventory include new shipments of inventory reaching your warehouse, items being serviced and packaged, and more inventory is purchased, shipped, processed, and stored. Businesses need an efficient way of keeping track of all these inventory movements and transactions and this is where inventory records can assist. In this blog, we will take a deeper look into what an inventory record system entails, the importance of keeping these inventory records, the various methods you can use to track them, and the various features that it consists of. What are Inventory Records? An inventory record is the collection of all data pertaining to various aspects of the inventory that is maintained by your business. An inventory record comprises information on the type and quantity of merchandise a company has in stock. Merchandise on hand, inventory on order, and inventory on hold for work-in-progress are all included in the inventory books. It is often referred to as a stock record. Inventory records can be considered as archives of data for every item in a brand's product range, including: The quantity of stock at the SKU levelThe quantity of stock that has been sold and reorderedThe total value of each productThe location where the inventory is storedOther business-related information, such as work-in-process (WIP) inventory data Each entry must have a description of its SKU and other relevant data. Inventory records can be made and maintained digitally as well as manually. An accurate inventory record system helps track sales patterns and distinguish between fast-moving and slow-moving items. This helps you to anticipate and plan for surges in demand, ensuring that your most popular goods are properly supplied. This will prevent supply shortages, which can irritate consumers and harm your company's reputation. [contactus_gynoveda] Why is Maintaining Accurate Inventory Books Important? Source Inventory records may be used for various purposes, ranging from providing information on daily finances to completing yearly taxes. It may be used to establish strategies, increase operational cost-effectiveness and track output volume. An accurate inventory record shows that you are more likely to be able to fulfill client orders effectively. Customers will trust you if you know exactly what stock you have, where it is, and how much you may need to order to achieve optimum levels. An accurate inventory record system guarantees that you will always have in-demand items on hand, ensuring you never run out of them. Some ways in which inventory records are essential for your business are as follows: Ensures Accuracy of Inventory Tracking  Keeping track of the inventory that is being received and is being used continuously promotes inventory visibility and leads to proper balancing of inventory levels. Inadequate inventory accounts for inventory shrinkage, i.e., the stock being less than the recorded amount in the accounting system and it can produce large disparities that can adversely affect profitability and other financials by creating confusion regarding the availability of items and how much of each item was ordered. Simplifies Inventory Accounting Inventory accounting is made considerably easier when accurate inventory records are maintained. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) require all merchants and manufacturers to keep track of inventory value and count. To avoid overstating profit by understating inventory value, GAAP requires inventory to be correctly accounted for according to a highly specific set of rules. The GAAP guidelines also prevent a corporation from overstating its worth by overstating the value of its inventory. Inventory influences the total worth of the organization since it is an asset. You can track changes in value and know how much your inventory is worth at the completion of each accounting period by maintaining a comprehensive inventory recordkeeping method. Prevents Overstocking and Out-of-Stock Situations Keeping accurate inventory records allows you to avoid overstocking and better understand when you need to reorder more stock. Determining the exact quantity of stock for numerous product types is a difficult undertaking, whether it is sourcing raw materials for production or estimating the ever-changing client demand for retail sales. If done incorrectly, it might result in one of two equally aggravating issues: overstocking and out-of-stock situations. Not having enough inventory can lead to out-of-stock problems, while too much inventory can raise carrying costs, potentially leading to too much wastage. Since inventory moves continually across the retail distribution network, using real-time inventory management systems makes it easier to check whether every item of inventory is available and accounted for while comparing stock levels and electronic records. Mitigates Uninformed Decisions Made Through Inaccurate Data Outdated and unsynced inventory records may lead to you and your team running the risk of making crucial business decisions based on incorrect information.  Errors can be minimized by reducing time-consuming, manual efforts by employing technology to manage inventory in real-time. Inventory management systems, such as inventory applications or a more complex system like ERP inventory software, can be used to track inventory in real-time. These solutions enable you to combine information by integrating your upstream production methods with your downstream sales. With real-time data linked to inventory, you can also discover patterns and estimate demand, enabling better forecasts on inventory reorder amounts and levels. 4 Methods to Achieve an Up-to-Date Inventory Record System in 2024 To run a successful business, you must keep your inventory precise, simplified, and up to date at all times. If you want to be competitive, you must maintain your inventory with accuracy. When you lose grasp of your inventory, you instantly lose control of your company's profitability. Furthermore, out-of-stock situations usually result in customer displeasure and losses for businesses. Thus, an up-to-date inventory system is a prerequisite for the smooth functioning of your business. The 4 most prominent methods for achieving an up-to-date inventory record system are as follows: Store Tangible Backups Businesses need to compare their inventory levels from time to time. An inventory audit is a practice of comparing a company's actual inventory levels to its financial records to assist with proper inventory accounting. To improve inventory auditing efficiency, businesses should preserve physical records of every item of inventory as well as online backups.  In certain countries, keeping original hard copies may be required by law. It also safeguards your data in the event that the security of your cloud server is breached and valuable information is lost. Consult Your Accountant on the Relevant Information Needed For the proper management of inventory records and thereby ensuring the smooth running of your business operations, professional help is an important requisite. You should enlist the services of a reliable accountant and ask them for advice on maintaining proper inventory records for your firm. In most circumstances, the information you require during the accounting period comprises COGS, production inventory (if relevant), beginning inventory, and the value of ending inventory, i.e., what remains at the conclusion of an accounting period. You may also consult with your accountant about the appropriate inventory valuation technique based on the products you sell and your average sales volume. Maintain Consistency in Your Accounting Methods There are numerous techniques for tracking and recording inventory. Whatever approach you use, the most essential aspect is maintaining consistency to ensure accuracy. Consistency is the key to having proper inventory records. At the end of each accounting period or fiscal year, you must determine the value of your inventory. The following are the most frequent eCommerce valuation methods: FIFO (First-in, First-out)LIFO (Last-in, First-out)Weighted Average of Inventory (WAC)Specific identification method Utilize Advanced Inventory Management Software Inventory Management systems are concerned with keeping an account of physical quantities and the total monetary worth of goods sold and those in hand. It aids you in tracking items as they arrive at the warehouse or godown and when they are issued for sale. It guarantees that the commercial enterprise's records are entirely up to speed. You have two choices while maintaining inventory records: After a specific accounting period, update your records (periodic inventory system)Every transaction should result in an update to the records (perpetual inventory system) Adopting a definite inventory system is your best choice as your business expands. This may be accomplished by purchasing inventory management software, which allows you to track inventory movement in real-time, record daily coverage with minimal effort, and automate multiple aspects of inventory management such as record-keeping and tracking data. Features Offered by Inventory Management Software For Accurate Inventory Record System in 2024 An effective inventory management software is crucial for simple and effective inventory books. You can optimize inventory to match demand and increase supply chain efficiency by automating the monitoring of all inventory along with real-time adjustments. You can simply download records and custom reports with the correct software to have all the relevant data you need when it's time to consult your accountant and also for the smooth and effortless management of inventory. Some of the more critical features provided by inventory management software are explained below: Real-Time Insights Across Platforms As your business grows, you will expand to other avenues besides selling online. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) firms may increase their client reach by selling through marketplaces (like Amazon) and social media platforms (such as Instagram).As a result, many businesses use multichannel inventory management software, which manages inventory across channels and gathers information in one location.Inventory levels are continuously updated in real-time as bought or returned products arrive or leave and sales occur through multiple channels.You get visibility into your inventory, save time identifying essential products and eliminate interruptions, theft, and overselling with real-time data sharing.Image attachment and barcode/RFID scanning capabilities are two essential tools that enhance tracking and help speed up picking operations. They aid in increasing accuracy and reducing discrepancies.When you work with a technology-enabled 3PL, you have access to inventory management systems that allow you to track inventory across channels and distribution centers from one location.Instead of depending on different suppliers, retailers can distribute goods across several fulfillment locations and manage inventory in real-time through a single dashboard.  Automated Generation of Reports The reporting of various business operations is one of the most valuable instruments of an inventory management system.  People in charge of the inventory of a business must be informed about different business operations such as the availability of delivery personnel, the state of goods, information about the shipment of the order, and so on.Many technologies can be integrated into the inventory management software to facilitate reporting of these metrics.According to some experts, your inventory management software is only as good as the inventory reports it creates.Calculating and tracking this information in spreadsheets or via various integrations might be difficult.Inventory management software automatically gathers data, allowing you to generate customized reports whenever you need them. Reorder Thresholds Based on Past Data Inventory management software allows you to automatically establish reorder point notifications, allowing you to resupply inventory on time without having to manage to restock manually when each order is placed. For many supply managers, automating reordering is one of the most appreciated and stress-relieving aspects of IMS. The IMS can be designed to detect low stock levels and subsequently develop and submit purchase orders for the required products, including items sold in packages or packs.You can also establish personalized notifications to notify you when you hit the reorder point because you are running low on particular goods.The merchandise management program uses past sales data to provide insights on when it is appropriate to reorder more inventory per SKU, allowing you to establish a predefined reorder point. It is pointless knowing your exact inventory count and where it is located if it doesn't prevent you from avoiding stock-out situations.As a result, your inventory management software must be capable of establishing automatic notifications when critical stock is running low and must also have the ability to swiftly produce a purchase order in response to that warning. Conclusion The finest data in the world won't help your business if you can't locate what you're looking for when you need it. Inventory records are utilized for organizing and managing files, both physically and digitally. Inventory record systems may be used for various purposes, ranging from providing information on daily finances to completing yearly taxes. It may be used to establish strategies, increase operational cost-effectiveness and track output volume. It is feasible to increase operational efficiency by rearranging and retaining stock in the most advantageous position for production by understanding where and how much of each product is available in stores. It may also assist a business in ensuring that inventory is not wasted, abused, damaged, or lost. Maintaining inventory records independently as your company starts to grow can be a challenge so it is beneficial to partner with a 3PL company like WareIQ. WareIQ's core offering is Inventory LogIQ, an AI-driven inventory optimization platform, that helps you take control of your inventory data at geographic and SKU-level to unlock operational agility by enabling you to avoid stock-outs and excess inventory. WareIQ is one of the fastest expanding eCommerce fulfillment companies in India and can help retailers with a wide range of inventory requirements, including maintaining inventory records. Our advanced WMS provides data and insights on every metric of inventory you need to keep track of it and can automate multiple processes of inventory management to take the burden off you. Inventory Records: FAQs What should be included in an inventory record?Generally, inventory records consist of a description of each item, how many units are available, where it is stored, identification number, etc. It should paint a clear picture of every item that is available in the inventory. For how long should historical inventory records be maintained?If you are using an inventory management software or online inventory tracker, you will always have access to all inventory records that were updated since you first started using the platform. When is the best time to record inventory?Inventory should be recorded every time an item is sold. Inventory is shown on a company’s balance sheet as a cost so when an item is sold, it is recorded in the income statement as the cost of goods sold. How can WareIQ help you to record inventory?WareIQ has a custom WMS that tracks inventory automatically and can generate reports whenever you need them. Thus, inventory records are always maintained and updated every time a purchase or sale is made.

June 17, 2022
What is Lead Time in Inventory Management? 8 Important Strategies to Minimise Lead Time

What is Lead Time in Inventory Management? 8 Important Strategies to Minimise Lead Time

Next-day delivery has become a standard expectation among online customers. As a result, consumers' willingness to wait for their orders has decreased dramatically in the last half-decade. You'll lose business if your eCommerce fulfilment procedure takes too long. Reduced lead timings are one of the most effective strategies to decrease your delivery window. Businesses calculate and shorten lead timings to match customer expectations and sustain their market position. It also improves manufacturing efficiency and increases sales income. Extended lead timings can be caused by various issues, including supply, production, and delivery delays, which can impair manufacturing and sales. Many people confuse it with throughput or cycle time, which is the time it takes to complete a procedure or order from start to finish until the product reaches the consumer. A better grasp of lead time, what it entails, and how cutting it may help your company develop. In this article, you'll learn all you need to know about this and how to utilize it to improve order fulfilment. What is Lead Time in Inventory Management? Time taken from when a purchase order is made to when it is received in the warehouse is referred to as lead time in inventory management. The definition of the term lead time, also known as a lead period, on the other hand, varies depending on the situation. It is also used in the following contexts: Customer Lead Time The time it takes for a client's order to be accepted and fulfilled is referred to as the customer lead period. The order fulfilment on the selected delivery date might be either a doorstep delivery or a pickup from an accessible area. Material Lead Time The time it takes to place an order with a supplier and receive the cargo is known as a material lead period. These are often large orders of raw materials needed in the production process or as inventories. So, whereas customer lead time refers to the time it takes for a product to reach its final destination, material lead time is primarily concerned with the production process. Production Lead Time The production lead period is the time it takes to make and send a product to the target destination, assuming the essential raw material is available, and there is no supply or logistical delay. Cumulative Lead Time The total of material and manufacturing lead timings is the cumulative lead period. Overall, it takes from when an order is confirmed to when it is sent, assuming that a raw material order must be placed. The overall lead time in inventory management for creating and delivering items comprises all of these aspects. For eCommerce fulfillment services, the customer lead period is the most crucial satisfaction metric. Customers anticipate quick delivery. Therefore cutting the time between consumer order and delivery will help you improve revenue. Your inventory planning and cash flow are affected by the time it takes to complete each part of your supply chain. For example, assume you wish to reduce client wait times by adhering to lean business management concepts and utilizing just-in-time inventory management. You'll need to lower your material and manufacturer lead times in such a situation. Components Of Lead Time The components of the lead period may be broken down into six categories. These elements are all essential and are given in chronological sequence. The following are the specifics: Preprocessing Time Receiving the request, interpreting it, and then converting it to a purchase order takes time. The word is also known as planning time, which refers to placing an order for a product or item one desires to purchase. Processing Time The time it takes to obtain or generate an order based on a prior request is known as processing time after preprocessing. Waiting Time The time it takes to get essential products or raw materials before the production process begins is called waiting time. Storage Time The time it takes for things to sit in a warehouse waiting to be delivered is called storage time. Transportation Time The time it takes for an object to reach its final destination is known as transportation time. Inspection Time The third component is inspection time, which refers to checking items for defects or flaws before delivering them to clients. [contactus_uth] Importance of Lead Time In Inventory Management Businesses must be able to manage timelines. For example, stock can run out, and customers' orders can't be fulfilled if lead timings aren't controlled properly. When lead periods become unmanageable, a vicious cycle might emerge, with lead times deteriorating as demand rises. This lag between customer orders and manufacturing may result in additional delays, causing the lead period to worsen. As a result, lousy order management may cost a company a lot of money by costing its valued clients and damaging its brand. Mention below are the points which show the importance of lead time in inventory management- Customers expect high-quality items delivered as fast as possible. Therefore a shorter lead period aids in customer satisfaction. Customers prefer to purchase from vendors that bring meals in the shortest amount of time as a result of this.To retain the inventory, the lead period is crucial. For example, suppose a corporation knows how long it will take to manufacture a product. In that case, it may order additional material in advance, reducing the possibilities of a material shortage or surplus in inventory.To attract clients, eCommerce businesses use lead time in inventory management as a USP. This is because customers are increasingly demanding high-quality items as quickly as feasible.A company's lead timings estimate how many items will be made and delivered at a given period. Therefore, they can boost their money creation by improving the pace.The lead period is beneficial in decreasing inventory waste. Instead of holding surplus goods in storage, the management will order merchandise as needed at a particular time. Lead Time Is Central To Inventory Control Regarding inventory management, you can state that lead time is required to keep your inventory running correctly. It's an essential hallmark of a well-functioning inventory management system. This isn't the only reason, though. To have a better understanding of the subject, examine the following factors: To understand why Lead Time is regarded as an essential aspect of Inventory Management, consider the following: Demand Estimation and Forecast You will be able to assess demand straight from the market and predict the product's requirements in a planned manner with lead time. As a result, you will be able to establish high standards without allowing inefficiencies to creep in. Order Management Order fulfilment is one of the most challenging aspects of inventory management. You may control your inventory in warehouses and take it out for distribution on time with the aid of lead time. You can also benefit from the ability to automate orders, reducing time and effort spent manually. Suppliers Management You may cooperate with your suppliers on needs and meetings linked to the supply of goods using lead time. Using this capability, you may contact your suppliers on a timely basis, avoiding any inventory gaps. As a result, the importance of Lead Time for good Inventory Management is evident. Factors Affecting Lead Time Manufacturers must be aware of the elements that influence the lead period. If the lead period is small, you are on the right track, but if it is large, you must document, control, and optimize the process to achieve superior growth and development. The following are the elements that influence lead time: Delayed Shipment  Shipment delays are one of the most typical causes of lead time extensions. However, the cause is unknown owing to weather conditions or other unforeseeable circumstances. However, by accepting many orders that can be handled efficiently, efforts may be taken to lessen shipment delays. For example, due to procedures, delivery and orders were delayed during epidemic periods. It impacted the whole distribution industry, which caused issues in the beginning but was eventually alleviated due to the simplicity of processes. Unnecessary and Protracted Procedure Due to redundant processes needed in assembling raw materials to final goods, lead times can often be extended. As a result, order completion may take longer than usual, reducing production. It is critical to optimize the process so that no needless motions occur. In addition, it will allow you to save time and effectively manage your production. Stockout Situation When a manufacturer runs out of stock, it signifies that the firm cannot produce new products due to a lack of resources. Not only will the scenario harm the loads, but it will also result in disgruntled consumers. The issue might deteriorate, resulting in a loss of revenue, reputation, and clients, which could have long-term consequences for you. Variability in Lead Time Variable aspects connected to delivery, such as communication and coordination, impact lead time. If there are any delays, you should collaborate with your suppliers to guarantee that the manufacturing is completed on time. It can assist you in making your manufacturing process more accessible and efficient. How Lead Time Affects Inventory Control Stockouts are common in companies that keep inventory for use in manufacturing. This happens when the stock on hand runs out without fresh stock arriving. Stockouts typically inconvenience customers because they must wait for orders to be met, while the firm incurs costs since it may be compelled to halt operations. In addition, employees and manufacturing machinery will be idle for a while during stockouts. Still, the firm continues to pay utility expenditures such as power, water, gas and administrative costs. Lead period delays, which vary by supplier, are the most common source of stock shortages. Natural catastrophes, human error, raw material shortages, inadequate inventory management systems, and other issues are all significant causes of lead time delays. A vendor-management inventory tool that automates the stock ordering process can help businesses decrease stockouts. The application saves supplier information for each component, making it simple to order them as they near completion. By making inventory requests early enough to avoid stockouts, automatic ordering shortens lead timings and lowers delivery costs. In addition, the firm can keep a database of backup suppliers for the most crucial components to supply inventories if the primary source is unavailable or out of stock. Impact of Shorter Lead Time The primary logistical objectives are to get the right items to the right place at the right time, in the right amounts, and under the right conditions. The lead period is a temporal factor in the logistics equation that is directly tied to service quality but significantly impacts stock control and demand planning. Let's look at the reasons why having a short lead time is critical to your business: More accurate demand forecasting: Short-term demand forecasting allows for more precision. One of the fundamental rules of thumb in demand management is that the further into the future you plan, the more unpredictability there will be. Shorter delivery periods can alleviate this problem by allowing for more reliable and accurate forecasting.The ability to carry less inventory: a short lead time implies you can fulfil client demand with a lesser inventory level. The fundamental purpose of warehouse management is to bridge the time gap between when a customer puts order and when the supplier delivers the order to the client. The impact of supply delays on inventory policy is linear: the longer the lead time, the more stock is kept on hand, and vice versa.Customers want high-quality service in a short amount of time, with little effort, and at a fair cost. You may provide consumers precisely what they want if you have a shorter lead period, such as quickly responding to changing client demand, completing the specified order quantity in less time, repairing damaged items in less time, and lowering expenses throughout the process.A shorter lead period will save you money and allow you to deliver on schedule. Furthermore, a shorter lead period results in more order fulfilment, which equals more cash flow.You don't need to purchase in bulk if your lead period is minimal since your complete processing procedure is rapid. This keeps your inventory at the proper level, allowing your business to function smoothly without the stress of having too little or too much stock.Last-minute modifications can only be implemented when lead periods are short since you can swiftly update items without delaying the purchase and jeopardizing client happiness. Furthermore, short lead times allow you to adjust to changes in market trends swiftly. All without the risk of losing money. Impact of Longer Lead Time To preserve the effectiveness of their operations, manufacturers and suppliers rely significantly on factory direct and authorized distributors to fulfil orders and satisfy business expectations. When lead period unpredictability becomes a problem for supply chain management, distributors and providers may experience longer lead periods and lower productivity. Some of the more frequent, longer lead period variability issues that wreak havoc on supply chain operations are listed below. Stoppages in the Production Line A long lead period might stop production if engineers don't have the components they need to finish the project. Preventing the production line causes suppliers to fall behind on client demands, resulting in another issue of low supplies. If a market expands and authorized distributors cannot meet demand, original equipment makers will fall behind on their manufacturing demands for clients. To guarantee that planned orders are delivered on time and to the buyer's satisfaction, authorized distributors must use a highly effective in house or third party logistics management system. Stockouts and inventory shortages might result from lead time variability difficulties, prompting you to either find a more dependable parts supplier or place a one-time purchase with an independent distributor. Revenue Generation The more significant the impact on a company's bottom line, the more manufacturing deadlines must be stretched. They could even wind up paying extra money to get parts from an unvetted independent distributor so that manufacturing projects can be completed and client orders can be delivered, bringing in much-needed income. Conversely, if a company cannot fulfil order demands for its clients, lead time variability severely threatens its earnings. How to Calculate Lead Time Lead time (LT) = Order Delivery Date – Order Request Date is the most straightforward fundamental formula. This method, however, allows for a reordering delay in the context of inventory management. Supply Delay (SD) + Reordering Delay = Lead Time (LT) (RD) The time a supplier takes to fulfil a client order after it has been placed is known as supply delay. The period between a completed order and placing the following order is known as the reordering delay. It is also necessary to account for reordering delays. Some vendors may only take orders once or twice a week or once a month. This means shops must plan for this delivery delay to keep a safety supply or buffer stock on hand. While waiting for your supplier to replace your supply, you can satisfy orders using your safety stock. Let's imagine you sell 500 shirts every day on average. Supplier A, on the other hand, only takes orders for shirts every five days. This signifies that your shirt supplier's reordering time is five days. Let's pretend that A delivers shirts to your warehouse in 2 days. This results in a two-day supply delay. In this instance, The lead time is calculated as follows: supply delay (5 days) + reordering delay (2 days) = Seven days. It should be simple to stock up for seven days. But what if you were selling something valuable and uncommon, such as exotic plants or fancy home decor? Such items are likely to be slower-moving than apparel and eatables, with significant supply and reordering delays. This implies you'll have to prepare for their acquisition, stock, and sale months ahead of time. But how can you figure out how much stock you'll need and when you should restock? The answer resides in the reorder point and safety stock. How much of a safety stock should be kept on hand? Safety stock is the amount of inventory you must have on hand in case of a supply or reordering delay. Its calculation accounts for lead time and demand variability (possible demand variations). Customer demand for items might fluctuate owing to various factors such as vacations, weekends, wholesale price fluctuations, special offers, and so on. Besides that, managers must prepare for unpredictably fluctuating demand, such as unexpected shortages, weather disruptions, and so on, because supply and demand are inextricably linked. The formula for safety stock is as follows: (Maximum daily sales*Maximum lead period) – (Average daily sales*Average lead time) = Safety Stock    When is it time to restock? The level of inventory that signals that you need to restock are known as your reorder point. The reorder point calculation influences your choice to replenish as inventory management, and the formula denotes it: (Lead time * Average daily sales) + Safety stock = reorder point It's time to pick up the phone and shop for some goods every time your stock reaches the reorder mark! Your reordering quantity will correspond to the amount of safety stock you have on hand. Additional factors to consider while determining lead time ARO Lead Time The point at which the supplier gets an order is known as the after receipt of the order (ARO). The overall period between ARO and order delivery makes up the lead period. Thus this is the first thing to consider when calculating the lead period. Lead Time in Manufacturing The manufacturing lead period is known as the time it takes for a merchant to place an order and for the product manufacturer to complete it. It comprises the time spent acquiring, manufacturing, and shipping items. 8 Best Strategies to Reduce Lead Time Remove Unreliable Vendors From Your Supply Chain. Do you get late delivery from particular vendors regularly? Keeping them in your supply chain might be more expensive than switching vendors. Even when considering the possible cost of a change, research conducted by NC State University reveals that supplier assessment nearly always has a favourable influence on a company's financial performance. If you decide to switch suppliers to shorten your lead time, ensure you have adequate inventory to carry you through the transition. Additionally, be sure that your new supplier is ready to begin shipping you things straight immediately. Select Vendors Who Are Near Your Warehouse You have access to more sellers than ever in today's global economy. Unfortunately, while searching for the most significant rates worldwide, you may find yourself waiting weeks for things to arrive from another country. This extends your lead period and makes returning broken or undesired items more difficult. Giving attention to local vendors to your warehouse or manufacturing site is one of the simplest lead time reduction methods for suppliers. If a local supplier can't compete on price, consider placing larger (but less regular) orders from foreign vendors and maintaining a more extensive inventory. Share Your Demand Forecasts With Your Suppliers Your orders may differ monthly if you work in a naturally fluctuating business. To keep your suppliers prepared for larger-than-normal purchases, let them know that you foresee an increase in demand as soon as possible. This ensures that they are not only capable of handling a huge order but also capable of doing it as rapidly as feasible. Internalize External Processes Do you manage most of your manufacturing processes in-house, but not all of them? Consider expanding your capabilities so you don't have to outsource the finishing of your items to a third party. This demands a considerable initial expenditure, but the long-term savings make it a financially viable choice in most cases. Furthermore, you'll be laying the groundwork for future expansion, allowing you to expand once your revenues rise quickly. Workflows for Order Processing Can Be Automated Ensure your internal procedures are up to standard after you have your raw materials and are ready to begin manufacturing. Consider: When it comes to consumer purchase orders, how long does it take you to enter them into your system?How long does it take you to get them through production and quality assurance when it comes to engineering change orders?How frequently does the process become stalled due to internal miscommunication?How frequently do orders go missing completely? Your lead times will most certainly deteriorate due to poor performance in any of these areas. However, automated order processing procedures might help you get your final items out the door faster. Complete Many Processes at the Same Time They were not getting past the fact that specific procedures must be finished before others can begin. However, if you can find strategies that many people can execute simultaneously, you can boost productivity and shorten lead times even more. Internal Communications Need to Improve Order processing necessitates the participation of all members of the team. Internally, if you're not cooperating correctly, you might be causing unnecessary delays. Suppose your process has numerous phases requiring input from multiple individuals. You may be wasting time you don't have. This is especially true if you're working with non-trackable paper. Paper-based projects on someone's desk lengthen your lead time and raise the risk of misplaced paperwork. Even though poor communication is a complex problem, manufacturers have numerous alternatives for removing bottlenecks.  Communicate With Your Customers More Effortlessly So while this doesn't help you cut your lead time in half, it does keep your clients informed as they wait for their orders. In addition, in several studies, communication has been proven to be a significant predictor of customer loyalty. Therefore it's a crucial factor to consider. Consider investing in a system that will send out order alerts if you aren't already doing so. (There are dozens of tools that automatically handle notifications, so automation is a significant time-saver here.) However, it's a simple – and relatively straightforward – technique to boost satisfaction and set expectations. Conclusion Staying on top of your business necessitates short lead times. In addition, they assist you in enhancing your cash flow and client satisfaction by allowing you to adapt to shifting market patterns. You may utilize it to optimize and reorganize your supply chain and production process now that you know how to calculate it. While understanding the lead time formula is a fantastic start, you can't keep calculating things by hand all the time. It's all about saving time, remember? Businesses should obtain everything they need to improve their supply chain and manufacturing process, from workflow automation and customized widgets to project planning and resource allocation. Allow WareIQ to Assist You in Reducing The Lead Period. We at WareIQ know how important it is for you to keep your business operating correctly, and we're here to assist you. We've given hundreds of businesses the tools they need to automate their order processing. So what's the result? Less time spent on inefficient back-office operations means more time for sales and product development. You may even cut the lead period by partnering with WareIQ for inventory management and eCommerce fulfilment. [signup] Frequently Asked Questions Is inventory a factor in lead time?Lead times can be influenced by production processes and inventory management. Building all aspects of a finished product on-site may take longer than finishing some items off-site in terms of manufacturing. What impact does lead time have on the supply chain?The influence of lead time on inventory management is depicted in this image. Lower lead times are preferred. However, obtaining shorter lead times from suppliers is difficult. Longer lead times, on the other hand, result in more goods on hand and in transit. Longer lead periods can limit the supply chain's capacity to respond to shifting demand, unpredictability, and uncertainty. What is the connection between inventory management and supply chain management?The supply chain manager will oversee inventory and flow management, taking into consideration any capacity or productivity concerns that arise along the way. The inventory manager will focus on his local inventory and arrange orders with suppliers, taking into consideration lead times and tariffs. What does a lead time look like in real?A lead time is a time it takes for a process to start and finish. For example, depending on numerous factors, the period between placing an order and receiving new automobiles from a certain manufacturer might range from 2 to 6 months. What is the delivery lead time?The number of days between the date the Order is acknowledged by the Supplier and the date the material is sent by the Supplier is referred to as the Delivery Lead Time.

June 15, 2022
Finished Goods Inventory: Definition, Examples, Importance & 3 Easy Steps to Calculate Finish Goods Inventory in 2024

Finished Goods Inventory: Definition, Examples, Importance & 3 Easy Steps to Calculate Finish Goods Inventory in 2024

All inventory follows a life cycle. It begins as different raw materials being combined together, grows to be work-in-progress, and finally emerges as finished goods. But finished goods are more than just the last stage of the inventory maturation cycle. They are the key component of being able to participate in the selling of products on eCommerce platforms. Let's take a look at examples, calculations, and why they are important. What is Finished Goods Inventory? Finished goods inventory is the number of goods available for a company to be able to sell to customers and fulfill orders. However, finished goods is a relative term, as a seller's finished goods could be the raw material for a manufacturer. Therefore, it could mean the inventory lying with a seller that is ready for dispatch to be sold or stock with the company that is prepared to be sent to a customer. Briefly, finished goods inventory is the stock of a wholly manufactured set of goods. Therefore, it is also called finished product inventory.  Finished Goods Examples  Finished goods are the everyday items surrounding us. Here are some examples of finished goods: You come across all kinds of food and grocery items in a supermarket. These perishables are ready for sale. Similarly, the gadgets or outfits that you adorn are customer-ready in an online or offline electronic store and clothing store. Finished goods examples include every product available for sales such as fruits and vegetables, processed and canned foods, clothing items, electronics, eggs and packaged meats, toys, petrol and gas, vehicles, and everything else that is available for purchase by consumers in a ready-to-use function. [contactus_uth] What is the Finished Goods Inventory Formula and Why is it Important? Once you know what elements are needed to calculate the finished goods inventory, you can understand why it is critical for you. Here's the formula: Finished Goods Inventory Formula Finished Goods Inventory depends on the expenses incurred for manufacturing the complete stock of goods, the cost of goods sold off, and the value of finished goods inventory from the previous period. This duration could be a month, a quarter, or a year. Finished Goods inventory = [Cost of Goods Manufactured – COGS] + Previous Finished Goods Inventory Value There are many reasons why it is a crucial calculation for everyone involved in the supply chain. Source Importance of Calculating Finished Goods Inventory Verifies Gross Profit For every manufacturer or seller, knowing the value of their inventory helps them to determine their gross revenue and profit margins. In addition, this tally helps in future operational and financial budgeting. You get to establish the expenses on goods manufactured and sold and the value of inventory in your warehouse. Documents the Current Assets Volume Finished goods inventory is counted as current assets in the balance sheet, which means they are short-term assets intended to generate revenue for you within a year. Your production strategy may be based on a 'Build to Order' or 'Build to Stock' plan. But it determines how many assets you hold at a time. To calculate the finished goods inventory level, you need to confirm the number and value of current assets lying with you after all the sales are made. Minimizes Material Wastage The formula helps you understand the finished goods inventory turnover rate. It is the rate at which your finished goods inventory is sold and replenished within a set period of time. When you know the worth of the finished goods remaining versus goods sold by the end of the month, you can ascertain how much inventory was ultimately utilized. Keeping a tab on the finished goods inventory can help you monitor and minimize its wastage. Streamlines Inventory Management  Many factors affect your inventory management decisions such as the economic, fiscal, and geopolitical scenario of the country, annual budgets, and other contingencies like war or natural disturbances, industrial dynamics, and price fluctuations. All these factors affect the finished goods inventory level you need to maintain. The formula helps you ascertain the costs you incur on manufactured and sold goods and how much inventory you need to preserve, from the date of your previous performance. This formula also helps you differentiate between goods that are hot-selling products versus the goods that stay in your warehouse longer. It also enables you to separate high-value goods from others and store them in a more protected space. 3 Easy Steps to Calculate Finished Goods Inventory in 2024 Step 1: Check Finished Goods Inventory of Prior Years Determine the value of finished goods for the previous period. You reach this figure in the last duration, which could be a month, quarter, or year using the same formula for finished goods as mentioned previously which is: Finished Goods inventory = [Cost of Goods Manufactured – COGS] + Previous Finished Goods Inventory Value Step 2: Subtract the Current COGS From the Cost of Goods Manufactured This step involves the below calculations: Cost of Goods Manufactured (COGM) refers to the money spent on manufacturing every unit of the finished good. For instance, if you made 400 candles worth ₹200 per piece, your COGM would be: 400 x ₹200 = ₹80,000. COGM = [Raw materials used + direct labour employed + all manufacturing overheads + beginning WIP inventory] - the ending WIP inventory. Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): The money spent on manufacturing the products sold is referred to as COGS. So in the above example, if you sold 300 of the 400 candles made, your COGS would be: 300 x ₹200 = ₹60,000. COGS = [Beginning Inventory + Received Inventory] – Ending or Remaining Inventory Now deduct the COGS value from the COGM figure: COGM - COGS Step 3: Add the Prior Finished Goods Inventory Value to the Answer Combine the figure you have reached above with the value of finished goods inventory for the last period. Adding the overall value of assets available gives you the finished goods inventory for the current period. You can procure this data from past inventory records. [COGM – COGS] + Previous Period Finished Goods Inventory The period considered for the calculation must remain consistent throughout to avoid any discrepancies. How Do 3PL Fulfillment Companies like WareIQ Help to Efficiently Manage Finished Goods Inventory? 3PL companies assist businesses at every stage of the supply chain. Inventory management is crucial to your logistical success. An experienced 3PL service provider like WareIQ can help you efficiently manage your finished goods inventory.  Here's how it can be achieved: Real-time Data WareIQ offers advanced real-time data collection and analysis technology throughout the inventory life cycle. This means that you are continuously updated about your inventory levels and whereabouts, across multiple platforms, the moment a change is made. This is necessary to know what inventory is available to you and when. For example, to determine your inventory level, you need to see the number of finished goods ready for sale and the stock already sold and delivered. Real-time updates affect your decision-making and budgeting capabilities and enable you to make faster and more well-informed decisions. Quality Control A promising 3PL partner like WareIQ assures you of quality checks throughout the inventory lifecycle, so you know if and when any product has gone bad or has expired and needs replacing. This prudence comes in handy, especially if you are dealing with perishables. Additionally, the way products are stored in the warehouse, picked and packaged when an order is confirmed and shipped to the customer, meets rigorous quality control standards to ensure that everything is done in the most careful and efficient manner. Automated Systems The superior inventory management software gives you access to essential data like inventory levels, orders, and billing cycles and can integrate with multiple eCommerce platforms. This data helps you trace the previous and current inventory levels and the goods sold. These automated reports can be triggered at pre-set intervals such as daily, weekly or bi-weekly, to be sent via email or directly to your system via API integration. So all the information you need to know about the finished goods inventory is available at your fingertips. Superior tech also guides you on scaling up or reducing the manufacturing dependence on seasonality and demand. Inventory Tracking WareIQ's advanced dashboard triggers punctual updates via texts and emails. Further, it creates your company's branded, fully customizable tracking page. You can track your inventory in any of WareIQ's pan-India warehouses from a single dashboard. So you can keep a tab on all the raw materials from Pune, Guwahati, and Hyderabad that you need in Gurugram in the current week, from a single webpage. Conclusion Finished goods inventory is responsible for bringing in revenue for your eCommerce business. Hence, it must be regularly monitored and tracked. The preparation you need to do this is a simple calculation that ensures you gather data on all the necessary elements. Along with a capable 3PL partner who provides the data collection and analysis on your behalf, you have fewer things to worry about. WareIQ is one of India’s fastest-growing eCommerce logistics companies that uses a centralized technology platform to provide every service that is associated with fulfilling eCommerce requirements. Finished Goods Inventory: FAQs How is finished goods inventory recorded?In the balance sheet, you need to credit finished goods inventory while debiting COGS. This means that the items are transferred from inventory to expenses. When an item is sold, it would be listed as a transaction while the sales revenue account is credited with the sale. Can inventory be classified as finished goods?Inventory is generally classified into 3 categories:1. Raw materials2. Work-in-progress items3. Finished goodsFor accounting purposes, inventory is classified as a current asset because of the firm’s plan to sell it within a year. Why is it necessary to have an optimum level of finished goods inventory?Finished goods inventory assists a company in ascertaining the value of each unit produced of a good based on the raw materials consumed, labour used, and overhead expenses. What types of companies use finished goods inventory?Finished goods inventory can either be used by a manufacturer or supplier who uses raw materials and other components in order to manufacture products. These products are then sold directly to consumers or retailers, who sell them to customers eventually.

June 13, 2022
What is Inventory Days on Hand? Definition, Inventory Days on Hand Formula, Importance & 5 Strategies for Improvement

What is Inventory Days on Hand? Definition, Inventory Days on Hand Formula, Importance & 5 Strategies for Improvement

When you buy or replenish inventory in your warehouse, it doesn't leave immediately. It lies there for a period of time before being shipped or transferred. It is important for a business to refine its inventory management processes so that the duration of inventory lying idle is limited as this can lead to obsolescence or expiry. However, it is also suitable for a business to have inventory on hand in case there is an emergency or urgent requirement. Businesses need to find the sweet spot of having just the right amount of inventory in storage. In this article, we take a look at the meaning of inventory days on hand, how to calculate it using the inventory days on hand formula, its importance, and ways to improve it.  What is Inventory Days on Hand (DOH)? Inventory Days on Hand (DOH) is the number of days that inventory stays in your warehouse or storage space before being sold. It reveals how many days it takes you to sell your average inventory on hand. It is an accounting ratio that indicates the average number of days that different kinds of inventory, including raw materials, work-in-progress goods, and finished goods, spend in your warehouse before turning into sales. It is also called Days Inventory Outstanding (DIO), Days in Inventory, Inventory Period, or the Inventory Days of Supply. Further, it depicts how soon a company can turn its current assets into cash. This metric is extensively used by analysts and business intelligence to gauge the company's liquidity and financial and operational health. Source [contactus_gynoveda] What is the Inventory Days on Hand Formula and How to Calculate it? The inventory Days on Hand formula considers the average inventory value in your warehouse compared to the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) and the number of days in an accounting period such as a week, month, or year. The below equation comes in handy for calculating the inventory in hand: Inventory Days on Hand = [Average Inventory Value / Cost of Goods Sold] x Number of Days in Accounting Period And if you know the inventory turnover ratio for your business, you can use the below inventory on hand Formula: (Number of Days in Accounting Period) / (Inventory Turnover Ratio) = Inventory Days on Hand Source Example for Explanation Let us take an example of how to calculate inventory days on hand. Mr. Sanjay Dutt owns a business that manages a huge amount of inventories. Let us assume that Mr. Dutt’s company owns an inventory worth Rs. 10,00,000 during the year 2022. The Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) for Sanjay’s company is Rs. 1,00,000 for the same year. Therefore, now if we calculate Inventory Days on Hand, it will be, IDOH= (10,00,000 / 1,00,000) X 365 = 3,650 Days This means that Mr. Sanjay Dutt’s company had an average of 3,650 days of inventory in 2022. Importance of Inventory on Hand (IDOH) The inventory days on hand figure reveals much-desired information about your business. Here's why you need to monitor it regularly: Analysis of Operational Performance Inventory days on hand show how long working capital gets frozen in stock. Once you have that data, you can devise ways to shorten the duration by optimizing procurement and sales processes. A lower DOH value indicates that your business is productively utilizing its inventory. On the other hand, a higher number shows the company's poor investment decisions and inefficient stock utilization. However, a high inventory quantity doesn't always showcase unproductive business practices. For example, you may have a higher DOH value if you store stock for around-the-corner peak season sales or a lockdown-like contingency. Either way, this analysis helps calculate and enhance your business's operational performance. Prevents Stockouts and Overstocking While companies keep adequate stock to shield them from demand fluctuations and variable market dynamics, inadequate inventory management can hurt business operations and revenue. Stockouts or overstocking occurs due to poor demand forecasting or incorrect analysis and reporting. That is when inventory days on hand come to your rescue. DOH clearly tells you how far you are from a stockout or when you need to stop further ordering of inventory. Keeping a tab on it warns you before a crisis unfolds in your warehouse and can help prevent the crisis from occurring. Improves Efficiency Inventory on hand is an indicator of business efficiency. A lower DOH indicates better cash flow and higher productivity. A smoother cash flow also gives you the leverage to pump more capital into the business for expansion, promotion, research and development, and other activities. Attracts Potential Investors DOH helps you gauge the inventory conversion rate of your business. A higher stock conversion or liquidity means that you can frequently replace or refill your merchandise, thus keeping your product offerings refreshed for your customers. It is an indication of an agile and flexible business. This practice tends to lure more customers to your stores and attract larger amounts of attention from potential investors. Similarly, lower liquidity indicates poor business performance. It shows that you cannot sell the stock you buy and cannot replace it with fresh supply on time. Forecasts Storage Costs  Inventory days on hand show how much inventory you need to order and when. It indicates the amount of stock turnover which tells you how frequently you need to replace or replenish the stock of a particular commodity, within a specified time period. It also highlights areas in your inventory management process where there is scope for improvement. Thus, you can use the inventory on hand figure to forecast storage costs for your inventory. Mitigates Operating Costs Where and how long you store your inventory affects your storage and operating costs. The lesser stock you have on hand, the lesser you need to spend on ecommerce warehousing and other operations. Therefore, knowing the storage period of your stock enables you to plan your finances in advance and mitigate expenses to the largest extent possible. Of course, having a competent 3PL partner like WareIQ allows you to leverage a nationwide presence of warehouses closer to customer locations. This type of service helps further reduce cost overheads. Increases Profit Margins Inventory is a current asset and affects a company's cash flow and profit margins. The inventory days on hand ratio shows how much time and money must be invested in a stockpile before they turn into sales. Therefore, better and regular monitoring of the inventory on hand can safeguard you against loss-making decisions related to unwanted stockpiling or a lack of adequate volume. Top 5 Strategies to Improve Inventory Days on Hand in 2023 If you regularly deal with inventory days on hand, you might want to improve it wherever possible. Here's how you can do that: Utilizing Inventory Management Software Your 3PL partner's superior inventory management software can track and trace inventory and keep inventory records actively updated. This software can be coupled with devices such as hand-held scanners that scan merchandise in the warehouse and sends data directly to the system for accounting and record-keeping purposes. In addition, these systems can trigger alerts when some stock needs replenishing, when you have overstocked or when it needs to be replaced with a fresh supply, especially in the case of perishable items. Such robust tech can remove the burden of keeping accurate inventory records and renewing them regularly. Furthermore, they essentially guide you on how to improve your inventory management efficiency. Improving Relationships With Manufacturers Better inventory management by the business causes less hassle for the manufacturers and sellers of products. In addition, accurately telling them when you need to stock up or replace the old inventory strengthens your relationship with them. Logistical pace and associations affect the relationship between sellers and manufacturers. For example, if a retailer needs a small quantity of stock urgently, the supplier can utilize existing stock to deliver it to their doorstep on time. In such a scenario, their relationship will grow and become stronger. If, on the other hand, the logistics speed is slow, the supplier will have to keep extra merchandise, thus increasing their inventory days on hand. Strong alliances with suppliers will push you to keep adequate inventory days on hand, thus improving inventory management and business performance. Providing Markdowns and Bundles You can bundle slow-moving stock in pre-determined groups with further discounts. Products experiencing low sales can be combined with a similar category of other products that have a higher rate of demand. For instance, you can combine poorly selling plates with fast-moving coffee mugs. A markdown on their prices can further attract the attention of customers. Clean-ups, closeouts, or flash sales are common ways to mark down your inventory and push it out to improve the inventory days on hand. Making Use of Unsold Inventory If markdowns don't work for your unsold inventory, there might not be a way out of storing it indefinitely. The stock in your warehouse costs you the storage, maintenance, labour, and other overheads. Hence, it is better to put it to use in whatever way it can. If you cannot sell it, you can always donate it and count it as a CSR initiative, recycle it to make new products, or refurbish it to attract new demand. Even if you cannot sell it, it will be less of a loss if it is involved in another business process rather than just wasting your storage space and the money spent on renting it. Streamlining Operational Processes Unclear and poorly strategized operational processes cause trouble in inventory management. Your warehouse and supply chain operations need to be streamlined to avoid an excess burden on the existing inventory. Ensure seamless communication and a smooth flow of information to avoid logistics chain disruptions. Combined with a skilled workforce to operate the systems and man the merchandise on the ground, this can help to improve your inventory days on hand ratio. How Can a Fulfillment Company like WareIQ Help Improve Inventory Days on Hand? A strong 3PL partner like WareIQ can change the way you manage inventory. We can provide three things you will need the most to monitor your stock effectively: State-of-the-art WMS to assist in inventory management and forecasting inventory days on hand of your current inventory.Advanced technology to record and monitor the inventory days on hand and provide solutions for improving it.Nationwide network of fulfillment centers so you can store inventory near areas of high demand or near shipping and distribution hubs. Most importantly, a trustworthy logistics partner can empower you with all the tools, technology, and knowledge to control your inventory on hand in the most intelligent manner. Inventory Days on Hand: FAQs What is the difference between inventory days on hand and inventory turnover?Inventory days on hand refers to the average time it takes for a retailer to turn its inventory into sales whereas inventory turnover indicates how fast a retailer can sell its inventory. During calculations, DOH is the inverse of inventory turnover. What is considered a normal number of inventory days on hand?The ideal inventory days on hand ratio for an eCommerce business can be between 2 and 4. If it is lower than this, it could indicate weak sales or a decline in the demand for your products. What are high days of inventory mean?This clearly means a low turnover rate with the inventory. What causes increases in inventory days on hand?Inventory days on hand can increase for a multitude of reasons but mainly because of economic, global, and competitive factors that result in a sudden fall in demand and sales levels. Why should you reduce inventory days on hand?1. Lowers warehousing and inventory holding costs 2. Prevents Stockouts3. Reduces Dead Stock4. Speedy Profits5. Improves consumer demand How to calculate the inventory days on hand?While ideal inventory on hand differs depending on the nature, price point, and type of products that a business deals with, it can be found out by dividing the average stock by the cost of goods sold and then multiplying the figure by the number of days in that accounting period. Why do we calculate inventory days?Inventory days in simple is a metric that calculates how long a product is in the warehouse before it is sold. So, if the inventory days percentage is high it indicates that either product is not in demand or it is overly priced or other is that there may be something wrong with the selling and marketing strategy.

June 13, 2022
Stock Discrepancy: Definition, 5 Main Causes and Top 7 Methods to Avoid Inventory Discrepancy in 2022 in eCommerce

Stock Discrepancy: Definition, 5 Main Causes and Top 7 Methods to Avoid Inventory Discrepancy in 2022 in eCommerce

The fast-evolving business trends and technologies bring new challenges to every organization. To mitigate the issues of the end-to-end supply chain and cope with customer expectations, organizations are constantly focusing on reducing the delivery lead time. And one of the essential steps to reduce the lead time is to manage inventories in every form like raw material, semi-finished products, and final products. Experts define inventory as a necessary evil. It is essential to run the business, but it blocks the business capital in the form of materials. Therefore, it is essential to manage accurate inventory. The stock discrepancy is one of the major challenges in inventory management, especially in the eCommerce business. This article will take you through a brief definition of a stock discrepancy, its primary reasons, and the best practices to avoid inventory discrepancy. What is Stock Discrepancy? Stock discrepancy refers to the variety of physical available stock or inventory of items with respect to the current inventory in records or systems. To run a successful business of any size, maintaining accurate stock is vital. But inventory variation is a common scenario in a practical situation. In the case of industries like e-commerce, where you need to deal with a massive number of different SKUs, quick and error-free product transfer, and handling hundreds of last-mile deliveries, the chances of inventory mismatch increases. Minor inventory discrepancies can be managed easily, but major inventory discrepancies can lead to considerable losses to your organization. Therefore, you must have a robust system to check inventories, find loopholes and implement best practices to avoid any untoward situations.  [contactus_gynoveda] 5 Main Causes of Inventory Discrepancy Managing inventory throughout an eCommerce supply chain may sound easy, but it is a complicated task. You need to deal with thousands and lakhs of inward receipts and outward delivery day in and day out. Tracking every material movement, delivering the right product to the right place at the right quantity, and above all, managing inventory accuracy is nothing short of a nightmare. But the task becomes easy if you know the probable causes of inventory discrepancy and how to avoid them. Here are some major causes of Inventory Discrepancy. Inventory shrinkage As the name suggests, when there is a shortage in the actual inventory compared to the stock in the records, it is known as inventory shrinkage. Simply put, it refers to when the physical stock of any item is less than the system stock. There are some probable reasons behind such discrepancies:  Pilferage or Theft: Here are two possibilities:If a person involved in operations may pilferage items. Or,Some outsiders may steal.Administrative errors: There may be a chance of error in the accounting system, which eventually decreases the item's quantity. Vendor Fraud: Manufacturers/suppliers may have sent you fewer number items than they billed for it. Misplaced inventory There is a place for every material in modern warehouses, and it is described in the inventory management system. Whenever the warehouse team receives an item, it is labelled first and then goes to its exact location. The same activity happens in the case of goods for delivery. In most industries, this activity is done by humans whereas, in some advanced warehouses, automated robots perform the task. Discrepancies in inventory are primarily due to human errors like wrong material receipt or issuance, putting materials in wrong locations or incorrect labeling. Many times, suppliers also send the wrong materials unintentionally. Any of these mistakes can lead to a stock disrepancy. Human error One of the major causes of inventory discrepancy is human error. Apart from using highly advanced e-commerce warehouse management systems, some of the eCommerce end-to-end supply chain is driven by humans. And if your employees are not appropriately trained on how to receive, store, track and manage stocks, inventory discrepancy is unavoidable. An inventory management system can assist people in managing the inventory efficiently, but they are the people who run the system. Firstly, to avoid human errors, you need to make sure that people understand the consequences of inventory variations. Keeping a standard operating procedure in place, displaying visual instructions, regular training, and frequent inventory audits are some of the best practices to avoid such errors. Mismanaged returns Return management does not add value to the business directly, but it has an impact on the balance sheet and revenue of the organization. Reverse logistics is as important as last-mile delivery. Poor return management can generate significant stock discrepancies and damages. As there are several ways to treat the returned materials (restocked, refurbished, bad-quality-disposed, or scrapped), it is important to perform every activity carefully. If a bad-quality material is not stored back in the warehouse, it will create a stock discrepancy. Similarly, if a returned material is coded wrongly and placed in the location, it will show the wrong information in the system. Effective return management not only helps you to avoid inventory discrepancies but also helps you to improve revenue. Glitches in Inventory Management Software Inventory management software must connect with the existing softwares/platforms businesses use in order to scale to accommodate advanced logistics. Choosing from hundreds of inventory management software solutions and understanding a slew of its features that necessitate training and continuous assistance is a difficult task. Choosing a wrong inventory management software can give further rise to stock discrepancy due to incorrect inventory counting, inventory forecasting etc. 7 Methods to Avoid Stock Discrepancy Having a healthy inventory with accuracy is the key to delivering products on time. On the one hand, it improves customer satisfaction, and on the other, you can book more orders due to better visibility of your inventory status. Stock accuracy is beneficial in mitigating supply chain risks by avoiding incorrect customer orders, material shortages, theft, and damages.  Here are some best practices which can help you to avoid stock discrepancy. Double Check During Counting of Stock Physical inventory counting is a common process to identify and avoid inventory discrepancies. In this process, every item is checked physically, and then the stock is matched with the inventory records. Double counting can minimize errors. In case of a large inventory pool, you can use the ABC analysis method to identify high-value items and perform a double check on those items especially.  You can decide the frequency of physical counting on the basis of ABC and FMR strategy, and decide on a quarterly or annually sales velocity audit (for fast-moving items and slow-moving items).  Identify the Location of Stock In a running eCommerce or production environment, the pace of materials movement is very fast, and there is a tendency to keep the same items in different locations. It is also important to check whether similar items are mixed with each other or not. With a slight change in design, the item code changes, but identifying the difference between such items becomes challenging. While performing physical inventory counting, you must check all the locations thoroughly and avoid the mixing of similar materials.  Check the levels of Inwards & Outwards Stock To improve the inventory accuracy of your warehouse, you must ensure a strict inward and outward process. During the inwards process, checking every item along with their vendor invoices can help avoid major inventory mismatches. Often suppliers inadvertently send similar items with different item codes, leading to stock variation. Communicate with Manufacturers Suppliers play a significant role in an efficient inventory management process. You should establish strong communication with your vendors so that any issues, especially inventory variations, can be communicated immediately. If you inform your supplier about any stock discrepancies during the inward process, they can also check at their end and resolve the problem at the moment. Moreover, training the supplier’s staff can also make a big difference and help run your business smoothly. Strong and transparent communication with your vendors not only helps you to manage inventory discrepancies but also helps avoid a stock-out situation or overstocking and reduces the cost of poor quality (COPQ). Opt for an Inventory Management System In this dynamic eCommerce environment, it is inevitable to have a smart inventory management system in place. It can help you to manage the stock levels, indicate the possible errors, and even help you to locate the item quickly. The advanced inventory management software is beneficial in significantly reducing the inventory counting time, which is a huge saving for any eCommerce business. Train Employees To make a big change, it is essential to increase awareness. As the technology in every field changes, new tools and techniques get introduced into the market every day. Adopting new technologies and training people on the fundamentals is essential. Employees need to know the correct method of inventory counting and its benefits and drawbacks for efficient inventory management. Partner with a 3PL Another best practice to avoid inventory variations is partnering with a 3PL like WareIQ. Being an experienced organization, WareIQ knows every nitty-gritty of inventory management and how to prevent stock discrepancies effectively. It offers stringent control and saves your time and money. Through the latest digitized tools, the overall inventory forecasting process is performed quickly and with high levels of transparency. Conclusion Technological advancement has increased buyers' expectations in terms of competitive price, better material quality, and quick delivery. Poor inventory management with many discrepancies can hamper your revenue and result in customer dissatisfaction. Human errors and inefficient systems are the root cause of a stock discrepancy. By implementing best practices, you can eliminate all bottlenecks and establish a healthy inventory system in your organization. Adopting intelligent inventory management software and partnering with an efficient 3PL like WareIQ can help manage your inventory better. We at WareIQ give you full transparency of your inventory with real-time tracking features that make you monitor your product levels & status across our multiple warehouses from anywhere. As we know, return and reverse logistic is the major cause of the stock discrepancy, we provide RTO and logistics insurance to save your time, money, and other resources. If you keep the listed items on your website in our fulfillment centers, then you do not have to worry about inventory management and stock discrepancy. We are solely responsible for any discrepancy. If in case, it comes from your vendor's side, you will be informed immediately. [signup] Stock Discrepancy FAQs What is the reason for stock discrepancies?Reasons for stock disparities are:i) Theft of stockii) Incorrect recording of dataiii) Misplaced stock and can't be trackediv) Mis-handling of damaged and returned stockv) Human error while the stocktake process like wrong counting What are the necessary actions businesses should take if there is a discrepancy in stock?i) Confirm the discrepancy by double-checking recordsii) Make necessary changes in the records if there is a discrepancyiii) Remove any extra items that have been detected as a discrepancyiv) While arranging replenishment orders, make sure you have enough stock to cover the difference How does WareIQ ensure low to zero inventory discrepancies?WareIQ does inventory tracking for sellers through its own warehouse management system software where WareIQ operations experts handle the process of managing inventory that ensures low to zero inventory discrepancy. How can companies minimize stock variances?To minimize stock variances:i) Inspect incoming inventory and label itii) Separate customer-owned inventory from the restiii) Standardize Inventory Picking Recordkeepingiv) Audit the Bill of Materials and sign for every inventory removed from the warehousev) Extra Requisitions and Returns should be tracked

June 11, 2022
Inventory Vs Stock: Top 4 Differences, Definitions and 9 Ways to Manage Them Efficiently in 2022

Inventory Vs Stock: Top 4 Differences, Definitions and 9 Ways to Manage Them Efficiently in 2022

Both inventory and stock are key components of any eCommerce company. They are directly responsible for a business being able to sell products in the first place. If companies don’t maintain an optimum level of inventory and stock, their ability to receive orders and fulfil them often falls by the wayside. In this article, we will take a look at the differences between inventory vs stock, examples of inventory vs stock, definitions and a lot more. What is the Meaning of Stock? The number of finished goods available to be supplied to the end customer is referred to as stock. If the store sells items directly to customers to make a profit, it can also include raw ingredients. Examples of Stock: Packs of pens in storage for pen manufacturers. [contactus_uth] What is the Meaning of Inventory? Finished items, raw materials and work-in-progress products can be included in inventory. Inventory must be kept at an optimal level since it is linked to carrying expenses so that all sold and unsold products can be accounted for throughout the financial year. Examples of inventory: lids of pens, ink, refills etc. Inventory Vs Stock: Examples Examples of Stock Pen companies use the term "stock" to refer to finished versions that are kept and ready to be fulfilled since they sell a wide range of pens to the end customer. Every completed pen has an SKU number and a barcode that can be scanned to identify and locate finished products, allowing them to be fulfilled swiftly. If a pen company supplies other firms with pen casings/nibs, they will be classified as finished items and computed as stock. Examples of Inventory Plastic, ink, metal, paper, packing boxes and other raw materials that are utilised to make pens are examples of inventory. A few other examples are: Individual lids and containers before they are brought together in the pen.Products that have passed all quality inspections and have finished all stages of the manufacturing process.Materials such as casings, lid pipes, nib metals and screws are necessary for the maintenance, repair and operation of machinery used in manufacturing pens. Inventory vs Stock: 9 Efficient Ways to Manage Stock Inventory  Prioritise The first and foremost way of efficiently managing your inventory is the organisation into categories, based on priority. This will help you in determining the frequency and quantity of the inventory, as well as knowing what you need regularly. It will also help you in identifying the commodities that are vital to your business though they may cost more and take longer to sell. An easy way is to divide the items of inventory into three basic categories, X, Y and Z. The more expensive items that are required in lesser quantities are put into category X and items that cost less but are required in larger quantities are put in category Z. The middle category Y consists of items that are reasonably priced and have a turnover rate higher than category X and lower than Y. Track The next step would be proper maintenance of the records that contain product specifications and other information about every item included in the inventory. These records should include essential data such as SKUs, barcode data, suppliers, country of origin and lot numbers. The price of these items should also be tracked from time to time so that you would know their availability and seasonal fluctuations which may lead to changes in the price. Examine Some firms conduct a comprehensive inventory count once a year. Other firms conduct random product checks on a monthly, weekly or even daily basis.  Either way, it is a good practice to count your inventory frequently.   Analyse At times, you may have to deal with an untrustworthy supplier who may jeopardize your inventory. It is important to analyze and take action if your supplier consistently fails to produce orders or has quality control issues. Address the issues with your provider to determine what is going on. Prepare to change business partners or deal with unexpected supply levels and the potential risk of running out of supplies. 80/20 rule In general, revenues from 20% of resources lead to benefits for 80% of the workforce. It is important to make inventory management for 20% of products a top priority. You should possess knowledge as to the time period for how long they last on the market as well as the number of items sold during that time. This is essential so that you don't throw away the goods that will make you the most money. Consistency The approach to inventory and stock management should be consistent. A hazy or shifting attitude will result in a mismatch between purchased orders and sales plus inventory. To maintain an efficient and successful system, a clear and straightforward inventory and stock management system should be implemented and followed by everyone in the organization. Sales In a discussion about inventory vs stock management, sales cannot be ignored. In the interest of being accurate, sales, inventory and stocks should all match up comprehensively. In addition to matching inventory and stock, sales numbers aid in assessing the items that are selling quickly and how certain events drive or lower sales. It is necessary to constantly analyze sales volumes to correctly manage inventory and supplies. Sales numbers also aid in estimating the inventory-to-stock ratio. Restocking Some suppliers offer inventory reordering services. At first glance, this appears to be a good thing: delegating the method for at least a few of your items saves you money and time. However, keep in mind that your providers may not share your objectives. They want to move their inventory, while you want to stock the best products for your business. Take the time to review your inventory and rearrange all of your items. Software In a smaller organization, you may maintain the first few items of the inventory list manually with spreadsheets and diaries. However, if your company expands, you will need to dedicate more time to managing stock than to your business or you will risk having too much or too little stock. These responsibilities are simplified by investing in good inventory management software. Before choosing a technical platform, consider what you're looking for, if it has the information you need and whether it is user-friendly or not. At the same time, you should select a solution that can be integrated into your existing systems. Key Difference Between Inventory and Stock When it comes to stock inventory, people do not find it easy to distinguish between the two. Inventory generally consists of three components: The finished product, work in progress and raw materials. For a Washing Machine manufacturer like IFB, the inventory will consist of: All the finished products, i.e., the washing machines ready to supply to the customer, whether at the retail site or warehouse.Inventory for IFB will also include all the washing machines that are under the process of manufacturing and are at different stages of completion. Finally, IFB inventory will also be inclusive of all the raw materials that the company has at its disposal for the purpose of manufacturing the same washing machines. This simply entails inventory consisting of all the items included in the manufacturing cycle of IFB, from the acquisition of raw material to the machines in the various stages of production and, finally, the end product. Now let us consider what the stock will be for the same manufacturer, IFB: IFB stock refers to the washing machines ready for delivery to the end-user.IF IFB supplies casing, motors or circuits to some other manufacturer, that will also be regarded as stock.We can simply say that any product that IFB sells to consumers or another manufacturer will be considered the stock of the company. Inventory Vs Stock: Comparative Table The differences between inventory and stock are listed below: [table id=25 /] Conclusion: How Does WareIQ Sets Itself Apart From Other Logistics Companies in Inventory vs Stock Management? Inventory management systems may seem like an unnecessary complication when you start your business, but as you expand and the list of products you deal in increases, it becomes highly complicated to keep tabs on stock inventory.  To manage the stock inventory efficiently, there is a need for a technologically efficient system that works based on artificial intelligence and machine learning.  This will ensure that the management can glance through the inventory management system and arrive at various decisions regarding any product and this is where WareIQ stands different from other Logistics Companies. WareIQ provides all these facilities that are aided with visuals and graphical representations. WareIQ clearly sets itself apart on the basis of: A single system that is capable of maintaining inventory, order and billing data.WareIQ also enables storage facilities in fulfilment centers of their own for an efficient supply cycle as required.Another amazing feature of WareIQ is the ease with which it gets set up and integrates with your system. The system is adaptable to various market fluctuations as well. [signup] Inventory vs Stock FAQS What are the different types of inventory?Inventory refers to all the items in the cycle of manufacturing; it typically includes:Finished ProductsRAW MaterialsWork-in-ProgressComponentsMaintenance and Repair Goods What is the difference in the applicability of Stocks vs Inventory?Inventory is generally used for the purpose of accounting and preparation of financial books. Stocks are typically used in day-to-day business operations. What is the use of an Inventory Management system?An inventory management system can help keep consumers satisfied by automating operations, improving stocking practices and ensuring that the things they desire are always in stock. Business owners and key personnel have a lot of options these days in choosing an efficient inventory management system. The one chosen should fit the metrics required by your business and should have a trusted consumer base. What is stock inventory control?Stock inventory control is a means of presenting and keeping track of how much stock you have on hand at a given time. It includes everything you need to manufacture a product or service, from raw ingredients to finished goods. It includes stock at all stages of the production process, from procurement to delivery to usage and replenishment.

June 01, 2022
Buffer Inventory: Meaning, Importance, Differences With Safety Stock, Benefits & Disadvantages In 2022

Buffer Inventory: Meaning, Importance, Differences With Safety Stock, Benefits & Disadvantages In 2022

There are many variables and uncertainties that make operating an eCommerce business extremely difficult. Retailers constantly have to maintain the right amount of inventory to be able to fulfill orders but also not store too much to risk the items becoming obsolete or expired. Buffer stock can help businesses get through this uncertainty and can also make sure that their customers are never left waiting to receive their orders. Let’s take a look at what buffer inventory is, how it can help your business, the pros and cons and much more. What is the Meaning of Buffer Inventory/Stock? An extra amount of commodities is held on hand to meet any unexpected future demand or supply variations; this stock is called buffer stock. It is a backup stock that keeps some buffer room for any uncertainties that may arise in the future.  Buffer inventory is typically used as a security net in an emergency, supply chain delays or an unexpected rise in demand. The quantity of buffer inventory you keep will be determined mainly by the items you offer, average production or order lead times and historical inventory data. A business maintains this stock in transit or on hand to guarantee no production, supply or lead time interruption. This type of stock is also known as a strategic stock, safety stock or buffer inventory. A business can make use of buffer stock at any point along the supply chain. The primary purpose is to keep production or sales processes operating smoothly. [contactus_gynoveda] Buffer Stock vs Safety Stock: What are the Differences? The words 'buffer inventory' and ‘safety stock' are used synonymously to refer to the additional stock that a business entity keeps on hand to act as a shield against supply and demand fluctuations. In certain circumstances, 'buffer/safety inventory' refers to inventory stored specifically for unexpected increases in product demand (for example, a promotion that generates more sales than planned), whereas ‘safety stock' refers to inventory retained in the event of work-in-progress products or delays due to the supplier (e.g., manufacturing shutdown). Both buffer stock inventory and safety stock serve the same function, i.e., guaranteeing an adequate inventory level to satisfy demand and fulfill orders on schedule. Why is Keeping Buffer Stock Important? Having buffer inventory is critical for your business since it allows you to save money on additional order fulfilment expenses while also providing your customers with a flawless shopping experience free of shipping delays.  In addition, like any other security net, buffer inventory may help you improve your operations. The importance of buffer stock is as follows: Buffer inventory may be located at any point along the supply chain and is meant to lessen the occurrence or severity of stock-out incidents, resulting in improved supply chain continuity and customer service.It can be used in manufacturing or other inventory-related scenarios to guarantee that unexpected shortages or requests may be fulfilled with some assurance.Safety stock is often retained during uncertainty about the product's demand or lead time.The quantity of buffer stock a company decides to keep on hand on a general basis can have a significant impact on its operations.Overstocking can lead to excessive inventory carrying costs. But, conversely, stock-outs can repeatedly occur if there is insufficient stock. As a result, firms must strike a careful balance.  Buffer Inventory Formula: Top 4 Methods to Calculate Buffer Stock Several factors influence how much inventory you keep on hand to function as a buffer. There is no generic solution for establishing how much buffer stock to keep. It has to be calculated based on factors that decide your business's requirements.  There are various methods for calculating ideal buffer inventory levels, but regardless of the approach you use, you'll need access to advanced analytics tools that help you control inventory by giving historical order data, SKU performance insights and demand forecasting statistics. Having the relevant data at your disposal will allow you to appropriately determine the amount of buffer inventory needed to optimise inventory storage and guarantee that orders are completed on time. Safety Stock Calculation A safety stock formula is an excellent approach to quickly estimate the ideal amount of buffer inventory in case of an unforeseen circumstance. To calculate safety stock, you first need to calculate the average daily consumption of your product and multiply it by the typical lead time, i.e. the number of days it takes between the time an order is first placed and delivered to your customer.  Then deduct your maximum daily use and multiply it by your max lead time.  The result is the product's safety stock number. You'll need to know the maximum daily consumption, maximum lead time, average daily usage and average lead time to calculate this value. The formula for safety stock calculation is as follows: (Maximum daily sales x Maximum lead time) – (Average daily usage x Average lead time) Hezier and Render’s Method The buffer inventory approach proposed by Hezier and Render employs the standard deviation of the lead time distribution and the required service factor (i.e., the probability that a stockout will not take place).  Based on historical supply chain delays, this provides a more realistic picture of the amount of buffer inventory you should keep on hand. The Hezier and Render technique is computed by multiplying your desired service factor (Z) by the standard deviation in lead time (𝜎LT) and the extent and frequency with which the average lead time varies from the actual lead time. The formula for calculation using the Heizer and Render technique is as follows: Z x 𝜎LT Analysts utilise such a calculation when the supply is questionable. By utilising the standard deviation of the lead time distribution, it provides a more accurate picture. As a result, it delivers a more precise and accurate picture of late shipments' lead time and frequency. This model, however, does not account for fluctuations in demand. Greasley’s Method Greasley's inventory calculation approach considers the standard deviation of lead time, desired service factor and average demand. The standard deviation in lead times refers to the unpredictability or volatility in lead times. In contrast, average demand denotes the number of items required to fulfill consumer demand during a specific period. The formula is denoted as follows: 𝜎LTx average demand x Z This strategy is typically utilised when demand and lead time fluctuate greatly. However, it does not consider the number of products that are still in production and are not yet available for sale. Historical Demand-Based Buffer Inventory Another method for calculating buffer inventory is obtaining and analysing historical data by evaluating inventory and order data.  When you know the inventory turnover rate, SKU performance and other details, you can sensibly assess your safety stock. It's usually a good idea to access previous order and inventory data, regardless of how you calculate the buffer inventory. Inventory forecasting necessitates substantial preparation to guarantee that your company is ready to satisfy demand constantly while remaining mindful of not purchasing too much (which may increase the costs of storing excess inventory and decrease the profit margin). With demand forecasting technologies, you can quickly combine all the supply chain data from numerous channels to present an overview of the actual product and sales insights and forecasts. Advantages and Disadvantages of Buffer Inventory Advantages The advantages of a business having buffer inventory are as follows: It assists in protecting the business against variations in demand and supplyIt aids in minimising production disturbanceIt contributes to the company's revenue stabilityBecause the firm has stock to take new orders, it decreases the odds of opportunity loss.  Disadvantages  Though having buffer inventory may prove to be beneficial to the business, it also comes with a few disadvantages that are stated below:  Storing inventory in buffer may result in losses if the items are perishable or have limited shelf lifeBuilding and preserving might incur significant expenditures and add to the overhead costsMore space will be required to accommodate the extra inventory   5 Buffer Stock Parameters Accuracy in Forecasting Accurate forecasting is crucial to understand buffer inventory. Forecasting demand and supply can assist in determining the amount of buffer stock that is necessary. Adjustment of Lead Time The lead time is defined as the time it will take for a firm to create a particular quantity of goods. Planning buffer stock must be in tandem with the lead time or else stocking will either be delayed or arrive sooner than anticipated. Frequency of Refilling The patterns and previous frequency of refilling might assist in restocking the supply. For example, the frequency of refilling once a month can help a company prepare more effectively for unforeseen circumstances. Perishability of Products The shelf life or perishability of commodities is a critical factor in buffer inventory planning. A product with a higher rate of perishability must be handled differently than a product that does not perish quickly. Seasonal fluctuations Seasonal differences must also be taken into account while keeping buffer inventory. Since the same product may sell more in the summer than in the winter, or vice versa, buffer stock cannot remain identical for both seasons.  Conclusion Inventory management is critical for any organisation that wants to stay competitive and profitable while expanding its operations. Inventory shortages can result in missed sales. But on the other hand, excessive inventory results in more storage and administration costs and therefore, lower profit margins. Working with a dependable distribution partner like WareIQ to manage your inventory helps increase manufacturing efficiency. It also liberates resources, concentration, and energy for growth and development. Taking care of essential resources is critical for manufacturing competitiveness. Businesses that decrease managerial distractions cut inventory carrying costs and can focus on core skills, thus gaining a competitive edge. Outsourcing inventory management can help you achieve these objectives.  [signup] Buffer Inventory FAQs What is buffer stock?Buffer stock is extra inventory stored by retailers in their warehouses. It is a surplus of goods kept on hand to meet any unforeseen future demand or supply changes. How can you maintain buffer inventory?You would need to conduct analysis of prior demand and sales figures and also forecast for future demand and any global events that could affect your demand levels, either in a positive or negative way. This will help you maintain an ideal level of buffer inventory. What types of inventory are utilised as buffer stock?Buffer inventory can consist of products with a high demand level that are constantly at risk of getting depleted. Keeping these products as buffer inventory would ensure that there are no supply-chain shortages. How can WareIQ help you maintain buffer inventory?When you partner with WareIQ, you get access to our WMS to be able to forecast any spikes or dips in demand and supply so you can maintain the optimum inventory levels and adequate buffer stocks.

May 31, 2022
What is the Weighted Average Inventory Method? What are the 4 Top Methods to Calculate Weighted Average Cost (WAC)? 

What is the Weighted Average Inventory Method? What are the 4 Top Methods to Calculate Weighted Average Cost (WAC)? 

The weighted average inventory method is a costing method that assigns a cost to each inventory unit based on the average cost of all units available for sale during the period. This method is used when companies purchase inventory in large quantities at different prices throughout the year. The weighted average cost per unit is calculated by adding the total cost of all units available for sale and dividing by the number of units available. This weighted average inventory method is advantageous because it provides a more accurate representation of the actual inventory cost than other methods, such as first-in, first-out (FIFO) or last-in, first-out (LIFO). However, the weighted average inventory method can be challenging to implement if many units are available for sale or if the prices of units purchased vary widely. In these cases, it may be necessary to use a different costing method. What is Weighted Average Inventory? How to Calculate It? The weighted average inventory method is a calculation that assigns a weight to each type of inventory based on its value or importance. This allows businesses to assess their overall inventory levels more accurately and better manage their stock. To calculate the weighted average inventory, using the Weighted Average Inventory Method, you need to first determine the total value of all your company's inventory. Then, assign a weight to each type of inventory based on its value as a percentage of the total. Finally, multiply every kind of inventory by its weight to find the weighted average cost for that item. For example, let's say your company has three types of inventory: raw materials, finished goods and work in progress items. Assume that raw materials make up 20% of the total value of your inventory, finished goods make up 60% and work in progress makes up the remaining 20%. To calculate the weighted average inventory using the Weighted Average Inventory Method for raw materials, you would need to multiply the raw materials by their weight and divide it by 20%. You would then need to multiply the finished goods by their weight divided by 60% for finished goods. And for work in progress, you would need to multiply it by its weight and divide it by 20%. The weighted average inventory for your company using the Weighted Average Inventory Method would be the sum of the three weighted average inventory calculations. In this example, the weighted average inventory would be (20% x Raw Materials) + (60% x Finished Goods) + (20% x Work in Progress). You can use this same method (Weighted Average Inventory Method) to calculate the weighted average inventory for various types of inventory. Just be sure to assign a weight to each one based on its value or importance. The Weighted Average Inventory Method can be a useful tool for managing your company's stock. By considering the value of each type of inventory, you can more accurately assess your overall inventory levels and make better decisions about using your resources. [contactus_gynoveda] What is Weighted Average Cost (WAC)?  The weighted average cost is a financial metric used to assess the overall cost of a company's products or services. This cost is arrived at by considering the different costs associated with each production stage, including raw materials, labour, shipping and overheads. The final number is then weighted according to the relative importance of each factor. In many cases, the weighted average cost can be a more accurate reflection of true cost than simply using an arithmetic average. This is because it considers the quantity of each input and the quality or importance of that input. For example, if a company's product requires expensive raw materials but very little labour, the weighted average cost will be higher than the average arithmetic cost. The WAC is often used to set prices, particularly when offered by a wide range of products or services. By considering the different costs associated with each item, a company can ensure that it charges a fair price for each one. In some cases, weighted average cost may also be used to assess the profitability of individual products or services. The weighted average cost can be a valuable tool for financial decision-making when calculated correctly. However, it is important to remember that this metric should only be one part of a much larger analysis. Other factors, such as customer demand and market conditions, will also play a role in setting prices and determining profitability. 4 Methods to Calculate Weighted Average Cost (WAC) There are various methods to calculate the weighted average cost. Some of the most common methods are:  Average Cost Method The first weighted average cost method is the average cost method. This method takes the arithmetic mean of all the costs incurred in producing the good or service. This is the most basic and simplest method to calculate the WAC. Weighted Average Cost Method The second method of weighted average inventory valuation is the weighted average cost method. This method assigns different weights to different costs incurred in production according to their importance. The weight assigned to each cost is multiplied by the cost incurred. The sum of all these weighted values gives us the weighted average cost (WAC). Marginal Cost Method The third Weighted Average cost method is known as the marginal cost method. In this method, we consider only the costs incurred in producing one additional unit of the good or service. This method is useful when we are trying to decide whether to produce extra units or not. Opportunity Cost Method The fourth and final weighted average inventory valuation method is the opportunity cost method. In this method, we consider the opportunity cost of producing the good or service. The opportunity cost is the value of the next best alternative that we must forego to produce the good or service. This method is usually used when there are scarce resources and we have to choose between alternatives. Whether we use it to calculate WAC, it is important to remember that WAC is only an average cost and not the exact cost of producing a good or service. This is because different costs are incurred at different production levels and it is impossible to assign a specific cost to each output unit. WAC only provides us with a general idea about the overall cost of production. Top 3 Applications of Weighted Average Cost The weighted average cost is used when a company has inventory that has been purchased at different prices and they want to calculate the average cost of that inventory. This is important for companies because it helps them determine how much their inventory is worth and how much they should charge for their products. There are many different applications for weighted average cost, but some of the most common ones are listed below: Stock Valuation Weighted average cost is important for investors because it allows them to see what a company's inventory is worth. This information can be used to make decisions about buying or selling stock.  Product Pricing It is also important for companies because it helps them determine how much to charge for their products. If a company knows the weighted average cost of its inventory, it can price its products accordingly. Marginal Costing This is another important application for weighted average cost. This technique is used by businesses to determine the costs associated with producing one additional product unit. This information is important for companies because it helps them decide how much to produce and how to price their products. Source What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Applying the Weighted Average Cost (WAC) Method? Benefits Several benefits can be accrued by applying the WAC method and some of the most important ones are listed below: Accurate Depiction of Actual Costs Perhaps the most significant benefit is that it provides a more accurate representation of the true costs associated with production. The WAC method considers all costs incurred during the production process rather than direct costs.  Less Susceptible to Fluctuations The WAC method is less subject to fluctuations in prices than other methods, such as last-in, first-out (LIFO), or first-in, first-out (FIFO). As a result, the WAC method can provide valuable information for long-term planning purposes.  Adherence to Accounting Standards Finally, the WAC method is generally accepted by accounting standard-setters and is likely to be acceptable for financial reporting purposes. Drawbacks The weighted average cost (WAC) method has a few disadvantages, which include: Bias Against Older Inventory The WAC method can be biassed if the company has a high proportion of older inventory that is nearing its expiration date.  Inaccurate Cost Depiction of Individual Items The WAC method does not consider the specific characteristics of each item in the inventory, so it may not accurately reflect the true costs of the individual items. Difficult to Calculate in Some Circumstances The WAC method can be difficult to calculate, especially for companies with large and complex inventory. It also may not accurately reflect a company's actual costs if it has significant changes in its inventory levels during the year. What are the Other Common Inventory Valuation Methods & How is it Different From the Weighted Average Inventory Method? Other common inventory valuation methods include the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method and the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. These methods can produce different results from the weighted average inventory method, depending on the order in which inventory is sold. First In, First Out (FIFO) Under the FIFO method, inventory is valued at the price of the earliest units purchased first. So, if you have 100 widgets in stock and you purchased 50 at $5 each and 50 at $10 each, the value of your inventory would be $500 (50 x $5 + 50 x $10). The advantage of the FIFO method is that it more closely reflects the actual cost of goods sold (COGS). This is because the oldest units in stock are typically the ones that are sold first. As such, FIFO provides a more accurate picture of your profits. The disadvantage of FIFO is that it can lead to higher taxes. This is because, under this method, inventory is valued at the prices that were paid for the earliest units purchased - which may be higher than the current market value. As a result, businesses may pay more taxes than they would under another valuation method. Last In, First Out (LIFO) Under the LIFO method, inventory is valued at the price of the most recent units purchased first. So, using the same example as above, if you have 100 widgets in stock, and you purchased 50 at $5 each and 50 at $10 each, the value of your inventory would be $1000 (50 x $10 + 50 x $5). The advantage of LIFO is that it can lead to lower taxes. This is because inventory is valued at the prices that are paid for the most recent units purchased - which may be lower than the current market value. As a result, businesses may pay fewer taxes than they would under another valuation method. The disadvantage of LIFO is that it may not provide an accurate picture of your actual COGS. This is because the most recent units purchased are typically not the ones that are sold first. As a result, LIFO may overstate your profits. The choice of inventory valuation method can significantly impact a company's financial statements. For example, using the LIFO method would result in a higher cost of goods sold and a lower ending inventory balance than using the FIFO method. This would lead to a lower gross profit and a higher income tax liability. Companies should carefully consider which valuation method best suits their particular circumstances. Conclusion: Choosing The Right Inventory Valuation Method for Your Business There are a few different inventory valuation methods today, and the right one for your business depends on several factors. The first thing to consider is what type of business you have. Are you a manufacturer? A retailer? A wholesaler? Each type of business has different inventory needs and each will require a different method of valuing that inventory. Next, you need to consider your financial goals. What are you trying to achieve with your inventory management system? Are you looking to maximise profits? minimise costs? Or some combination of the two? Depending on your answer, different valuation methods may be more appropriate. Finally, you need to think about your accounting system. Does it allow for multiple valuation methods? If not, you may be limited in your choices. The choice of inventory valuation method can significantly impact a company's financial statements. The most appropriate method for a particular business will depend on that business's specific circumstances. Manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers will all have different needs, and each type of business will require a different valuation method. Additionally, businesses need to consider their financial goals in choosing an inventory valuation method.  Some methods are better suited to maximizing profits, while others may be more appropriate for minimizing costs. Finally, businesses need to check with their accounting systems to see if they support multiple valuation methods. Otherwise, they may be limited in their choices. WareIQ can be of assistance if you need access to the best valuation methods or help with other fulfillment and operational services. We can help you analyse the type of inventory you have and the goals you would want to set for your business in the future and recommend a valuation method accordingly. [signup] FAQs  What is inventory valuation?Inventory valuation is assigning a value to a company's inventory. This value is used for financial reporting purposes and can significantly impact a company's bottom line. What are the different methods of inventory valuation?Several different inventory valuation methods include FIFO, LIFO and Weighted Average Inventory Method.  Which method is best for my business?The best method for your business depends on several factors, including your business type, financial goals and accounting system. What is the impact of inventory valuation on financial statements?Inventory valuation can have a significant impact on financial statements. For example, using the LIFO method would result in a higher cost of goods sold and a lower ending inventory balance than using the FIFO method. What are the tax implications of inventory valuation?The choice of inventory valuation method can significantly impact a company's income tax liability. For example, businesses that use the LIFO method may pay less in taxes than those that use the FIFO method.

May 31, 2022