Inventory Analysis for Manufacturing

Inventory analysis is a process manufacturing companies use to ensure efficient use of resources and to minimize waste. The process involves examining various aspects of inventory such as quantity, location, value, age, and production demand patterns. It also looks at supply chain processes. Companies use this information to develop better inventory management processes that reduce carrying costs, stockouts, overstocking, and other issues.

While there may be manual aspects to the process, the bulk of the analysis happens within software designed to manage a company’s parts and materials inventory and ordering process. The common systems used are Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Material Resource Planning (MRP) software. The latter is found more commonly in small and medium-sized businesses. These systems are adept at managing the large quantities of data that are created within the manufacturing process, as well as exploring the rich historical data available.

The Inventory Management Process

A company’s inventory process is highly dependent on how the products are produced and what quality and performance metrics the products need to maintain. Below is a generalized series of steps involved in the inventory analysis process for manufacturing operations:

1. Collect Inventory Data

The first step in inventory analysis is to gather data on inventory levels, locations, and values. This data can be collected through physical counts, automated tracking systems, or a combination of both.

2. Categorize Inventory

Inventory should be categorized by product type, value, age, and location. This will help identify which items are slow-moving, high-value, or in excess.

3. Determine Inventory Turnover

Inventory turnover measures the number of times inventory is sold and replaced within a specific time period. This metric is useful in identifying slow-moving or obsolete inventory.

4. Analyze Demand Patterns

Analyzing demand patterns can help identify trends in customer demand, which can inform production and inventory management decisions.

5. Calculate Inventory Carrying Costs

Inventory carrying costs include the cost of holding inventory, such as storage, insurance, and handling costs. Understanding these costs can help identify areas where inventory can be reduced.

6. Determine Safety Stock Levels

Safety stock levels are the amount of inventory kept on hand to meet unexpected increases in demand or production delays. This level should be based on demand variability and lead time.

7. Identify Inventory Optimization Opportunities

Based on the analysis of inventory data, opportunities for optimization can be identified. This may include reducing excess inventory, adjusting production schedules, or improving demand forecasting.

As can be seen in the steps above, inventory analysis is a vital process for manufacturing companies looking to optimize their inventory management practices and improve efficiency and profitability. With so much data available, it all but requires the use of dedicated software to perform. 

By analyzing inventory data, companies can make more informed decisions about their inventory levels, production schedules, and supply chain relationships. The insights stemming from the process typically results in significant cost savings and increased competitiveness.

Looking to put inventory information to work in the search for greater efficiency and lower costs? Time to sign up for Aligni MRP today!