Operations Planning Services

Operations Planning Services

Operations Analysis and Action Plan Development to Achieve Effective Inventory Management (On-Site or Web Based Consulting)

This analysis includes the data analysis described above, but also an on-site visit to your company and/or web-based interviews to assess your current forecasting, replenishment and supply chain planning operations. We would like to talk with people in sales, purchasing, management and your warehouse to understand their specific inventory-related challenges.  Their talents and market knowledge are critical in enhancing your operations.  The goal is to refine your policies and procedures so that your employees are more productive and have greater job satisfaction.  We will then develop a customized action plan to lead your organization to achieve effective inventory management.

Phase 1 – Analysis of Your Current Stocking, Replenishment, Stocking and Supply Chain Policies and Procedures

This includes a detailed examination of your operations:

  • What are your corporate policies and procedures for processing every type of inventory-related transaction?
  • How do you ensure that on-hand quantities remain accurate?
  • What criteria do you use in deciding what products to stock in each location?
  • Are the tools available in your computer system adequate to meet your organization’s specific needs?  Do they need to be supplemented by spreadsheets, a supplemental database, enhancements or other software products?
  • How do you predict future customer demand of each product?
  • How do you decide when to reorder products and how much to reorder?
  • Do your current replenishment sources and quantities result in the lowest total cost of each item while retaining a high level of customer service?  That is, have you optimized both your internal and external supply networks?
  • Do you have to implement special tools or practices to deal with:
    • Collaborative information from salespeople, customers, management or other sources
    • Inconsistent vendor lead times
    • Importing products from overseas
    • Consigned inventory
    • Special purchasing opportunities
    • Continual introduction of new products
    • Replenishment from distribution centers or central warehouses within your organization
  • Do your employees understand “best practice” inventory control and inventory management procedures?  Are they getting the most benefit from the software tools currently available to them?
  • How do you identify and liquidate dead inventory and excess stock?
  • How does your current inventory investment compare to an “ideal” inventory investment utilizing best practice inventory management techniques?
  • What metrics do you utilize to track the performance of your inventory investment?

Phase 2 – Development of a Plan to Achieve Effective Inventory Management

From the information gained in the analysis phase, along with the data analysis previously performed, we will develop a report of recommendations and suggested action plan including customized programs and/or customized EIM developed Excel® spreadsheets to lead your organization to achieve effective inventory management.  Together we will review this plan and:

  • Modify the plan as additional information is obtained.
  • Discuss how to utilize your current computer software to help achieve effective inventory management.  These discussions will include any necessary or optional software enhancements to your current system as well as possibly supplementing your current tools with “bolt-on software” and customized EIM developed Excel® spreadsheets.
  • Fully train your employees in the tools we provide as well as inventory management “best practices.
  • Develop incremental as well as eventual goals.
  • Determine the resources necessary to achieve these goals.
  • A timeline for completing an action plan we develop together.
  • Implement metrics to measure your progress in achieving your goals.
  • Provide complete documentation and training materials.

Phase 3 – Follow-up Phase continuing for (12 months following plan initiation)

Within a week after our initial review, EIM will deliver a finalized report of recommendations plan detailing what will be necessary for you to achieve effective inventory management.  For 12 months following delivery of the plan, you will have access to email/phone/web consulting support as you implement your plan.  In addition, EIM will be available to assist with inventory-related challenges as they occur such as:

  • Selecting and dealing with vendors.
  • Evaluating special vendor offers including how much to buy before a price increase.
  • Dealing with changing economic and market conditions.
  • At your request, and at no additional charge, EIM will provide checkup phone calls or emails to check on your progress in completing the plan.

Phase 3 – Follow-up Phase continuing for (12 months following plan initiation)

Don’t let inventory challenges hold your business back. Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation consultation with Jon and Matt Schreibfeder. We will:

  • Analyze your current situation and potential results
  • Develop a list of recommendations
  • Outline an action plan to achieve effective inventory management

 

After reviewing our analysis, recommendations, and action plan, you can decide whether to work with us. Discover how our targeted approach to inventory management optimization can unlock hidden profitability, improve customer satisfaction, and prepare your business for future growth.

CUSTOMIZED PROGRAMS

EIM can provide customized inventory management consulting services if the Current Inventory Situation Analysis, Operations Analysis and Plan Development, or combination of those services does not meet your needs.

To learn more or request a meeting, please call us at 972.362.5519.

We look forward to helping you improve your business operations and achieve your goals!

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