Inventory Optimization Tool in Excel

Inventory Optimization Tool: Streamlining Supply Chain Efficiency

Inventory serves as the lifeblood of wholesalers, distributors, and manufacturers, representing valuable products awaiting sale. As a crucial component of current assets, especially in the manufacturing sector, an Inventory Optimization Tool becomes an indispensable process. But how do you choose the right inventory optimization models?

Significant cash flow is tied up in inventories to ensure seamless production flow and meet high customer service levels. However, managing inventory also involves holding costs, carrying costs, and opportunity costs. Thus, identifying inventory reduction strategies and optimization methods becomes paramount for supply chain and operations professionals.

Implementing Inventory Optimization can be time-consuming. I recall my days as a planner, where every three months, I had to download data from the ERP system, organize it, identify E&O, recalculate Safety Stock, analyze changes in Made-to-Stock and Made-to-Order, and redo the entire ABC analysis. This labor-intensive process took me 3-5 days of dedicated effort.

To assist the SCMDOJO Community, we have developed an Inventory Optimization Tool in Excel that accomplishes all these tasks and more within minutes and hours instead of days—all at a cost of less than $70! No need to pay exorbitant sums to software companies.

What is Inventory Optimization?

Inventory optimization is the process of strategically managing and controlling stock levels to maximize efficiency, minimize costs, and meet customer demand. It involves finding the right balance between having enough inventory to meet customer needs and avoiding excess stock that can lead to higher costs and potential waste.

Output You Will Obtain from the Inventory Optimization Tool

• The total cost of goods sold.
• Current inventory onhand value.
• Planned safety stock value.
• Inventory Turns.
• Days on Hand.
• Current on-hand inventory (in $ value & % to total) grouped by months of stock available.
• Inventory optimization proposals (A. Stock to stock with new safety stock levels; B. Stock to non-stock; C. Non-stock to non-stock; D. Non-stock to Stock with new safety stock levels).
• Current on-hand inventory profile in terms of (A. Usable inventory; B. Excess inventory; C. Obsolete Inventory).

Executive Summary of Inventory Segmentation & Analysis Provided by Inventory Optimization Tool

What Files Will You Receive Upon Purchase?

• Inventory Optimization Tool in Excel (Filename: Model)
• Input Template (Filename: Input)
• Inventory optimization Tool Work Instructions DIY (do-it-yourself) Training Document (Filename: Training Document SCMDOJO)

Introduction & Tutorial on How to Use The Inventory Optimization Tool

The Ultimate Guide to Inventory Planning Methods

The objective of this guide is to describe the present use, application and characteristic of selecting various inventory planning methods, and to explain how the methods are applied by the supply chain professionals.

EXCESS & OBSOLETE INVENTORY POLICY

This Excess and Obsolete Inventory Policy provides guidance for shrinkage, obsolescence and excess inventory in the inventory allowance accounts on their ledgers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is this tool for?

A: It helps you optimize inventory levels and reduce costs associated with holding excess stock.

Q: Who should use this tool?

A: Supply chain and operations professionals, especially those managing inventory in Excel.

Q: How much time does it save?

A: It can complete tasks in minutes that take manual methods days.

Q: What’s the cost?

A: Less than $70, significantly cheaper than most software solutions.

Q: What outputs does the inventory optimization tool provide?

A: It provides insights like inventory turns, days on hand, and optimization suggestions.

Q: What additional resources are included?

A: You get an input template, training document, video tutorial, and guides on inventory planning and excess inventory.