by Jon Schreibfeder | Mar 15, 2014 | Forecasting
Many computer systems utilize past usage history when forecasting future demand of products. Seasonal forecast formulas in these systems typically look at what was sold or used in this month (and possibly subsequent months) last year. For example, if you are...
by Jon Schreibfeder | Feb 15, 2014 | Stocking Decisions
Our clients utilize a wide variety of enterprise resource planning (ERP) computer software packages. Most have the potential to maximize the productivity and profitability of an organization’s investment in stock inventory. But occasionally we run into a road...
by Jon Schreibfeder | Jan 15, 2014 | General
There has been a lot of discussion this month on the deficiencies of the ObamaCare website, HealthCare.gov. Its performance doesn’t match the promises made before the site was launched. The results: frustration and a lot of finger pointing. But take a moment and...
by Jon Schreibfeder | Dec 15, 2013 | Stocking Decisions
For the past few months we have been discussing how to identify and dispose of your dead stock and excess inventory. This month we discuss how you can use the internet to help you turn your unwanted material into cash. There are several reasons why you should utilize...
by Jon Schreibfeder | Nov 15, 2013 | Stocking Decisions
Last month we started our discussion of disposing of dead stock and excess inventory. The first step was to identify this unneeded stock. This month we will discuss the actual liquidation process. What can you do with this stuff? Consider these options: Transfer...
by Jon Schreibfeder | Oct 15, 2013 | Stocking Decisions
Remember that inventory you buy is a “sunk” cost. You’ve paid for it. No matter what it’s worth now, your money’s still gone. Compare it to shares of stock you may purchase in a company. The securities have “paper” value but no real monetary value until they are...
by Jon Schreibfeder | Sep 15, 2013 | Stocking Decisions
This month we continue our discussion of evaluating your inventory investment. The goal of effective inventory management is to “meet or exceed customers’ expectations of product availability with the amount of each item that will maximize your net profit or minimize...
by Jon Schreibfeder | Aug 15, 2013 | General
I literally grew up in a family-owned industrial distribution business. My dad (Norman) was a great guy and a fantastic salesman (in the best sense of the word). He was always in motion and wasn’t happy unless everyone else was as well. There was constant noise and...
by Jon Schreibfeder | Jul 15, 2013 | Analysis
In previous newsletter articles we have discussed the customer service level. This is a measurement of the number of line items on sales orders shipped complete in one shipment on or before the date the material was promised to the customer. The customer service...
by Jon Schreibfeder | May 15, 2013 | Forecasting
Most computer systems provide buyers with out of stock reports. These are listings of stocked products with no available inventory. Because of the stockout, sales orders cannot be filled and salespeople cannot provide the service their customers expect. Buyers must...
