Invisible Inventory

Managing inventory effectively is a challenging task that many businesses struggle with. Although some factors may be similar across organizations, accurately predicting inventory demand can vary significantly depending on the industry or business model. One of the most common problems affecting various industries is the lack of inventory visibility.

With the rise of online shopping, inventory visibility issues have become increasingly prevalent. The additional steps and expediency demands of this now-preferred process can make tracking an item even more complicated. This often results in invisible inventory, where materials or products are unaccounted for in the system.

To address these issues, many companies tend to utilize CMMS software. A computerised maintenance management software is a software solution that provides real-time inventory tracking and organization, which improves inventory accuracy and accountability.

Further, it reduces waste by identifying and addressing issues that lead to excess or obsolete inventory, such as overproduction or excess safety stock. The result is a reduction in carrying costs.

Businesses may also use supply chain visibility (SCV) technologies to remain competitive. Business management software can be a great option to turn to in this regard.

This can be better explained with the help of an example of a brewery or winery. Inventory management plays a pivotal role in the brewing industry due to the complex nature of production, seasonal variations, and the need for consistency in flavor and quality.

Consider a craft brewery that produces a popular seasonal beer. To meet the increased demand during the summer months, the brewery must have sufficient quantities of specific ingredients, such as unique hops and fruit extracts, in stock.

Without accurate inventory management, they risk running out of these crucial components, leading to production delays and missed sales opportunities. Additionally, overstocking can tie up capital and storage space that could be used for other purposes. This example highlights the significance of precise inventory control in the brewing industry.

To address inventory visibility challenges, many breweries and wineries consider adopting brewery management software. It can help in the following:

Real-time Tracking
Brewery management software provides real-time visibility into inventory levels. Breweries can track the movement of raw materials and finished products from production to distribution, ensuring accurate and up-to-date inventory records.
Demand Forecasting
Advanced software can analyze historical sales data and market trends to forecast demand accurately. This helps breweries optimize their inventory levels, reducing the risk of overstocking or stockouts.
Quality Assurance
Brewery management software can integrate quality control processes into inventory management. It allows breweries to track the freshness and quality of ingredients, ensuring that only the best materials are used in production.
Streamlined Operations
Automation features in brewery management software streamline various tasks. This reduces manual errors and frees up staff to focus on other critical aspects of the business. These systems, much like Datapel’s warehouse management system, are designed to streamline an array of tasks, encompassing everything from order processing to invoicing and compliance reporting. This technology-driven approach serves as a catalyst for efficiency and productivity in the brewery, fostering growth and success.

Conclusion

Implementing robust business management solutions can revolutionize supply chain visibility for any business, not just breweries. They can empower organizations to gain real-time insights into their inventory, production workflows, and supplier interactions. This heightened transparency translates into a streamlined and responsive supply chain, where companies can anticipate and adapt to customer demands swiftly.

By optimizing inventory levels, automating production scheduling, and fostering stronger supplier relationships, businesses can reduce operational costs and minimize the risk of stockouts or overstocking. This, in turn, enhances overall operational efficiency and competitiveness within the industry.

In today’s fast-paced and customer-centric marketplace, supply chain visibility is a strategic advantage. Business management solutions can act as a catalyst for achieving this advantage, enabling companies to meet market demands, improve cost-effectiveness, and maintain a strong foothold in their respective sectors.

Note: You can lean more about invisible inventory by looking at the infographic.
Invisible Inventory from Celerant, a bike shop pos system company