Inventory analysis is the process of examining inventory to determine the optimal amount a business should hold.<\/span><\/p>\n
While we\u2019ll discuss the five main analyses \u2014 ABC, SDE, HML, FSN, and VED \u2014 we\u2019ll also describe the advantages of using more non-classified techniques like just-in-time inventory, minimum order quantity (MOQ), reorder point, and safety stock.<\/span><\/p>\n
At the end of this blog, you\u2019ll be equipped with inventory control techniques that you can leverage for the best results. Correct implementation of these techniques is indispensable for efficient <\/span>supply chain management<\/span>. Supply chain professionals, both aspiring and experts, can enrol in supply chain management programmes to brush up on these techniques as well as learn about the critical role technology plays in <\/span>logistics, procurement, inventory, and vendor management<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
5 Benefits of Inventory Analysis<\/span><\/h2>\n
Understanding your inventory' capacity is crucial to building a strong storage unit. Here are the five benefits of employing inventory analysis techniques:<\/span><\/p>\n\n
It saves money by reducing waste and inefficiencies.<\/span><\/li>\n
It improves customer service by preventing stockouts.<\/span><\/li>\n
Inventory analysis frees up cash flow for other areas by optimising inventory levels.<\/span><\/li>\n
It minimises waste by identifying slow-moving or obsolete products.<\/span><\/li>\n
Finally, it provides data for making informed decisions on purchasing, production, and sales.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
8 Common Methods for Inventory Analysis<\/span><\/h2>\n
ABC Analysis<\/span><\/h3>\n
The ABC model prioritises inventory based on annual consumption value (ACV) and helps businesses focus resources on their most critical items.<\/span><\/p>\n
Categories<\/b><\/p>\n
\n
A (20% of items, 80% of value): It is the most critical category and requires close monitoring and strict controls.<\/span><\/li>\n
B (30% of items, 15% of value): It is moderately important and requires moderate monitoring and controls.<\/span><\/li>\n
C (50% of items, 5% of value): Judged at the least critical, this needs minimal monitoring and controls.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Steps for ABC analysis<\/b><\/p>\n
\n
Gather data related to unit cost, annual demand, and lead time.<\/span><\/li>\n
This classifies inventory based on sales velocity (fast, slow, non-moving) for efficient management.<\/span><\/p>\n
Categories<\/b><\/p>\n
\n
Fast (F): Sell quickly and generate high revenue. Exercise low control here.<\/span><\/li>\n
Slow (S): You can see these and review them gradually.<\/span><\/li>\n
Non-moving (N): No sales, analyse cause, chances for discounts and write-offs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Steps for FSN analysis<\/b><\/p>\n
\n
Gather data like unit costs, annual demand, and lead time.<\/span><\/li>\n
Set thresholds: Define the boundaries for each category based on your specific business context and industry standards. It's common to use percentages of average inventory stay time and average consumption rate as reference points.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
Categorise each item based on the calculated ITR or chosen metrics.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
VED (Vital, Essential, Desirable) Analysis<\/span><\/h3>\n
VED analysis categorises inventory items based on their criticality to the business depending on their usefulness. To understand the complexity that goes into this analysis, you can consider a <\/span>supply chain management course<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n