Streamlining Raw Materials Inventory In Manufacturing

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Imagine a manufacturing unit! Naturally, it would be a bustling hub of multiple activities - all focused on transforming raw materials into finished goods. You will second it that these fundamental supplies - right from basic metals to complex electronic components, make the lifeblood of a business's operation. However, managing them is no less than a sensitive balancing act. A little up or down can put the operations at state. For example - too little could make the production come to a halt. If it is too much, it is nothing but a waste of time and other resources on storage. Isn't it? It is where Raw Materials Inventory management takes over the stage. It helps find that much-needed sweet spot to ensure there is enough supply to keep the line of production going without hoarding excess stock. To know the process in a better way, read on!

Understanding the Process

If you consider the raw stuff as the ingredients for a delicious meal, you will need the right amount of each component to make the perfect preparation. Right? Some of the basic ingredients, such as pepper and salt, are easy to replace. However, some ...
... of them, something like a rare herb or spice, might take more time to find. Isn't it? So, you need to plan and have enough of those crucial ingredients and keep them handy.

The same applies to manufacturing. You should categorize the raw materials depending on their significance and how quickly you can find them. Some supplies are critical for the production process. So, you cannot delay them. And others would be less crucial. Finally, there would be expensive and exquisite materials that would need extra care and attention to avoid waste.

The Cost of Holding Inventory

What if you have overstocked your groceries? First of all, it will take up valuable space in your pantry. Secondly, you are also engaging your hard-earned money that you could use for other - more crucial - things. Most importantly, there is always the risk of food going bad or getting outdated. Right?

Similarly, holding excess raw materials in a manufacturing setting can lead to significant costs. Here you go -

• You will need to pay for storage space, whether it is renting a warehouse or using existing facilities. This engages your capital, money that you could have invested in new equipment or marketing.

• What if technology advances or consumer preferences change? Quite obviously, your raw materials are likely to become obsolete. It can cause significant financial losses.

• And let's not forget the risk of damage, especially for delicate or perishable materials.

The Dangers of Stockouts

Picture this - you are hosting a surprise party, and you run out of cake batter halfway through baking. What would be the options you have? You will either have to delay the party or, in the worst-case scenario, cancel it altogether.

This is analogous to a stockout in a manufacturing setting. Stockouts can happen for several reasons. Sometimes, there can be a sudden surge in demand, something like a holiday season rush, when the existing inventory isn't enough. Other situations, including unexpected supply chain disruptions, such as a natural disaster or a supplier issue, can lead to delayed deliveries. And then, there is the risk of inaccurate inventory records. If you think you have more stock than you do, you might not order more, leading to a shortage.

Optimizing the Process

Consider yourself a chef running a busy restaurant. You want to have enough ingredients in stock to meet the demand for your dishes. However, at the same time, you do not want to waste money by overstocking. So, all you need to do is - strike the right balance.

Similarly, manufacturing businesses aim to maintain a sweet spot for their raw materials inventory to be on track. They want to avoid stockouts that can disrupt production. However, they also want to minimize costs associated with holding excess inventory. Here are some commonly used strategies to hit the bull’s eye:

• Demand Forecasting
• ABC Analysis
• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
• Just-in-Time (JIT) Inventory Management
• Safety Stock