Blog
Practical articles on inventory planning, supply chain decisions, and operational planning.
Reorder Point vs Time-Phased Planning: Two Different Planning Questions
Reorder Point planning reacts when inventory reaches a level where a new order is needed. Time-phased planning looks ahead across future periods, matching expected demand with supply and capacity over time. Understanding the difference helps planners choose the right approach for the decision they need to make.
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MRP Is More Than a Stock Calculation: Why Time-Phasing Matters
Material Requirements Planning (MRP) works out when supply is needed as well as how much is needed. Its value comes from calculating projected stock over time, using demand, existing supply, stock on hand and planning parameters at each item and location.
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Forecast Bias: Finding the Direction Behind Forecast Errors
Forecast accuracy tells you how far forecasts were from actual demand. Forecast bias adds another useful question: do those errors consistently lean high or low? Reviewing both helps planners identify forecasting issues that can otherwise turn into excess stock or service problems.
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Batch Control: Why Total Stock Is Not Enough for Shelf Life Management
A total stock balance can look accurate while hiding important differences between the physical quantities behind it. Batch control keeps those differences visible, allowing businesses to manage shelf life, quality status and traceability at the level where those decisions actually need to be made.
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Non-Stocked Does Not Mean Unplanned
Non-stocked items may sit outside inventory valuation, but they can still require stock control, replenishment planning and clear purchasing ownership. Understanding the difference between physical stock, planning control and financial inventory value helps prevent avoidable shortages, reactive buying and unexpected P&L timing effects.
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Cleaning Sales History for a More Robust Forecast
Unusual sales observations should not be removed simply because they look like outliers. The useful question is what caused the observation, whether that cause is likely to repeat, and which treatment will give the most realistic representation of future demand.
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Supplier DIFOT: Measure the Delivery That Actually Matters
DIFOT means Delivered In Full On Time. Learn how to measure and report supplier DIFOT fairly, and when delays outside your control shouldn't count.
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Why Supply Chain Planning Needs a Stronger Professional Identity
Many people enter supply chain planning through operations, purchasing, warehousing or production rather than through a formal planning pathway. Practical experience is valuable, but planners also need a shared body of knowledge that helps them understand why planning decisions are made, not just how to complete the tasks in front of them.
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How Lot Size Affects Stock Turnover
Lot size is the quantity ordered or produced in one batch, and it has a direct effect on how long inventory stays in the business. Smaller lots can improve stock turnover, while larger lots may reduce ordering and handling effort but can leave more stock sitting in storage.
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