Most small businesses reorder when stock drops to a set level. That only tells you what to do today.
- It reacts too late. With long supplier lead times, by the time stock hits the line, the shortage is already on its way.
- It misses what's ahead. Seasonal peaks, promotions and big customer orders don't show up in a fixed level.
- It can't see what's coming in. Orders already on their way get ignored, so you order too much or too early.
Time-phased planning looks ahead instead. It projects your stock week by week from your forecast, open orders and supplier lead times, shows when you'll run short, and plans orders to arrive in time.