Efficient inventory management can substantially improve your firm's performance by helping to maintain high customer service levels and reduce variable costs. But reinforcing inventory management isn't a one-time project. It's a constant concern for manufacturers.
Naturally, different sorts of problems arise in different markets, whether its pharmaceuticals, packaged goods or some other industry. But there are common indicators. Here are several examples.
Data management. What's especially troubling in this area is that firms often have the means to achieve better results, but managers either take no action or incorrectly analyze information. For instance, inaccurate procurement and manufacturing lead times will often result in poor inventory judgments. The end result? The company ends up with overstocked shelves in anticipation of needs that never come up.
Coordination of activities. Many managers emphasize that cutting down the manufacturing cycle time and filling orders faster will provide a competitive advantage. While that's true, individual elements of overall cycle time must be coordinated to meet overall objectives.
Lack of communication. A lack of communication within the firm or between supply chain partners can create inventory-related problems. Departments must remain in close and frequent contact. Gaps in information can lead to overstocking.
The following five steps can help improve inventory management at your firm:
1. Assess business functions and processes. Be sure you understand the current order-to-delivery (OTD) process. Identify any significant gaps or improvement opportunities to accelerate change among cross-functional teams, including sourcing, planning, commercial operations, stockroom and manufacturing. Some key elements are:
2. Develop a plan. Ensure that the data being used to create the inventory plan is complete, accurate and up-to-date. Fill in any gaps. Next, establish the operational definitions for effective inventory controls. These definitions are critical for standardization and improvements, especially if your firm has expanded through acquisitions and is using multiple data sources.
The plan may be driven by data relating to on-hand inventory, open orders, lead time, standard or average costs, and your bill of materials (BOM). Typically, it could feature these steps:
3. Execute the plan. Although the plan doesn't have to be etched into stone, management should approve any deviations. This requires discipline from both managers and floor workers. The following steps will help:
4. Measure the results. It's virtually impossible to improve inventory management without some measurement. To sustain improvements, your firm may establish key performance indicators and metrics for each process during periodic reviews.
Metrics can provide insight into performance for service levels, safety stock investment, ordering costs and total excess inventory value. Grade your firm's suppliers based on delivery, costs, quality, responsiveness and reliability. Search for ways to minimize rework and related wastes. Encourage workers to document and share successes and failures.
5. Keep improving. Continue to seek improvement. Conduct periodic reviews to discuss potential changes, review agreements with key suppliers, minimize ordering quantities and train workers to operate at maximum efficiency.
Don't accept the status quo for inventory management. There's always room for improvement. Contact your financial advisors to help take stock of your inventory practices, compute key metrics and brainstorm strategies to boost your operating efficiency.
Get in touch today and find out how we can help you meet your objectives.
