We are all about operational strategy.

Inventory Management

Case Study / NZ manufacturer and exporter

Why We Were There

The client had developed serious concerns around inventory management. They had issues with both excess inventory and sub-standard order fulfilment and needed to understand the drivers that contributed to the situation.

The scope of our initial review included:

Inventory management
Production planning
Sales and operations planning
SKU management

Outcomes

Managed finished goods inventory reductions to desired levels

Initial reduction of 12% in finished goods inventory

Further lead time reductions achieved a 20% decrease in finished goods inventory

Order fulfilment raised to target levels

Raw materials lead times were reduced

The Approach

Our approach was to understand the gaps between current practice and best practice. LSI reviewed supply chain performance, supply planning, demand planning and order fulfilment against the overall strategic plan for the business.

This project entailed detailed analysis of current processes and practice and the identification of issues that contributed to excess inventory and poor order fulfilment. The end-to-end supply chain process was mapped and critiqued by stakeholders to determine the issues. Over 50 critiques were raised and summarised into key issues. These issues were classified into the following groups:

  • Business rules
  • Stock management
  • S&OP
  • Technology
  • Metrics

The review highlighted the ineffectiveness of the current forecasting and planning process. A number of key SKU’s did not have stock to complete the current months orders. Conversely, a number of SKU’s had stock for more than 3 months of orders.

Redesign

Using up to date inventory and order information, we built a model for inventory, demonstrating the value of the stock required to meet order fulfilment standards.

To attain the Model Stock, we developed business rules around planning, implemented an S&OP program, and revised all SKUs to establish agreed levels.

Services Applied

Process Design & Optimisation

Productivity / Efficiency

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