Inventory Management Software Zone

Inventory Management and Dealer Forecasting in the Automotive Industry

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 17:03:00 +0000

Automotive dealers have a number of objectives to meet with respect to stock levels. These include maintaining the right level of stock inventory, minimising stock holdings, keeping stock costs to a minimum and maximising efficiency in stock use. A consistent ordering process reduces business pressure to meet stock levels and allows dealers and distributors to manage the exceptions to stock levels as opposed to moving from one crisis to the next.

Without an efficient forecasting process in place a dealer will simply aim to minimize stock holdings. However, if dealers are not forecasting correctly, stock levels will be incorrect. There are obvious inventory costs in holding too much stock but at the same time, too little may require emergency orders. Dealers who require such emergency orders bear not only higher costs of stock purchase but also increased freight costs. In addition, dealers have traditionally decided not to order extra stock because, in the event that the dealer is unable to move that stock within a reasonable time frame, there may be a higher cost of managing and warehousing inventory.

An efficient forecasting system assists both the distributor and dealer to reduce costs by providing a consistent, predictable and reliable basis for stock inventory. There will always be unforeseen circumstances, but these can be managed as exceptions as opposed to normal business processes.

Distributor versus dealer forecasting
A new system, pioneered and functioning well in Europe, gives distributors, rather than dealers, ultimate responsibility for forecasting stock requirements. By analysing trends in stock ordering across all dealerships, the distributor is better able to forecast, taking a broad view of requirements, predicting the expected stock requirements of dealers and advising accordingly. For example, following the release of a new vehicle model, patterns may emerge in high volume metropolitan locations. These then provide valid information on trends as the volume increases in other locations, such as in country areas. The distributor can advise or make certain components compulsory when a new dealer starts up or a new model is introduced into a new area.

Under this new system a dealer is obliged to purchase a certain level of stock because the distributor wants to ensure that a dealer has a basic set of components for a particular vehicle model that will cover most situations. Distributors understand, through trend analysis, the frequency with which components will be used and are in a position to advise dealers about the components that are to be maintained.

There has been slight, initial resistance from the dealers in the implementation of this system. The major issue has been that the distributor is basically instructing the dealer as to the stock that has to be purchased. However, as the distributor now accepts a greater risk by allowing the dealers to return unused stock within an agreed period or to increase or in some circumstances reduce quantities, resistance has been greatly reduced.

The advantage to the dealer in agreeing to those recommendations is that many dealers today would not stock all the recommended parts due to the cost of maintaining inventory and the fact that it could not be returned to the distributor if it was not used over a given time. Essentially, the dealer manages the inventory risk and their behaviour reflects that risk.

Free flow of information within the network
The key to successful dealer forecasting is the free flow of information between the dealer and the distributor. Dealers provide information about their current stock levels and the demand for stock items and the distributor can understand the stock patterns that the dealer experiences. In a well functioning dealer forecasting system most of the risk of maintaining inventory is with the distributor, not the dealer.

The distributor has a broad visibility of stock levels across all dealerships and in certain circumstances it is possible to open up the visibility between all dealerships. A dealer enquiry for a part can reflect both the distributor stock and the dealer network stock. Generally, a dealer will be able to see only the distributor stock and if that has been exhausted, a dealer may be allowed to view the rest of the stock. Distributors encourage dealers to buy from the distributor first, and then buy it within the network. When buying within the network the supplying dealer accepts the order and is credited from the distributor. The receiving dealer is charged for the stock from the distributor. The distributor can then monitor the demand between the two, and adjust the system for that demand later on. The distributor can then analyse whether a dealership is using more of a particular stock than expected, and can adjust the dealer's forecast accordingly.

Contingency for emergency orders
The primary goal in any stock control process is to reduce emergency order frequency. An efficient warehouse process, where dealers place more stock orders and less daily or emergency orders reduces pressure on the entire distribution and dealer network. The dealer forecasting system, together with an optional distributor buy-back strategy, goes a long way to achieving this.

Dealers are encouraged to stock a greater range of parts, based on the analysis gained from a consistent forecasting process so that they can fulfil their customer requirements efficiently and cost effectively. The distributor gains the benefit of knowing where parts are located throughout the dealer network and a more efficient warehousing operation.

There are some quite significant benefits to both distributors and dealers of a dealer forecasting system. Distributors and dealers in Europe that have engaged this model are experiencing significant upside to their business and are now more able to meet customer requirements as well as having a more consistent and predictable inventory process.

The free flow of information between the distributor and dealer is enhanced with a dealer forecasting system. Distributors understand the amount and frequency of all stock requirements in the system. There is an ability to move stock using both the distribution and dealer network. The dealer however has reduced risk in stock holdings and so is more likely to retain a greater variety and number of parts to satisfy customer needs.

Summary
Consistent and predictable information flow between a distributor and a dealer can be achieved through an efficient forecasting system. A distributor, having access to a broad view across all dealers, can provide in depth analysis of stock usage, inventory and future stock requirements. A distributor is then able to provide accurate advice to dealers on the type, amount and availability of stock required based on factual data.

Cost reductions throughout the supply chain process are realised for distributors and dealers through a more streamlined forecasting system. Facts can dictate how much stock is required across the entire dealer network and the expected usage rates by each individual dealer. Total stock inventory is reduced, availability immediately known and the ability for the distributor to deal with emergency orders is greatly enhanced. For both the distributor and dealer, inventory and warehousing costs are reduced while a reduction in frequency of emergency orders results in less freight and delivery costs.

Article by Ben Portelli
[source] www.ibs.net
[inventory management software]

Salon Needs Inventory Management Software

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 08:06:00 +0000

The beauty care industry has emerged today as one of the most lucrative and competitive industries. Almost all major salon chains boast a clientele numbering in thousands. This large customer base calls for efficient management of the salon’s resources for providing better and timely services. Salon inventory management software, as the name suggests, handles the management of an inventory comprising a variety of items. Salon inventory management software is usually part of a larger salon management software package that includes online booking, appointment management, client tracking, employee payroll, and other important tasks associated with the salon. All these components are designed to increase the efficiency and profitability of the business.

Salon inventory management software maintains a database that holds information about all the beauty products that are stored in the salon’s warehouse. This information is constantly updated based on the incoming and outgoing goods. Salon inventory management software databases also hold reorder levels of individual products. The reorder levels are compared with current stock levels, so as to send a notification to the store manager in case the products have to be reordered. In some cases, purchase orders are automatically generated and sent to the suppliers. The report generation module produces a variety of reports, which gives the salon owner detailed analytical information regarding individual product quantities and their demand. Future stock procurements are usually based on these reports.

Newer versions of salon inventory management software often include customer information. Products purchased by each customer are recorded in the database. This information helps in tracking individual customer preferences and overall customer trends. Furthermore, the operators of the software can get a complete history of the customers in just a few clicks. Awareness of customer history and preferences assist in giving the customers better service each time they visit the salon. In the competitive world of salon business, the quality of service is a decisive factor in retaining customers. Salon inventory management software has thus come to play a pivotal role in managing the business.

Inventory Management Software provides detailed information on Inventory Management Software, Asset Inventory Management Software, Auto Dealer Inventory Management Software, Free Inventory Management Software and more.

Article by Alison Cole
[Inventory Management Software]

Free Inventory Management Software

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 08:01:00 +0000

Free inventory management software has an increased presence on the web, following the persistent growth and success of e-commerce. Inventory management software helps manage inventory from any location in the world. Free inventory management software is ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises such as shopping malls, home businesses, book stores, computer stores and others.

Inventory management software packages are designed for inventory control. The software facilitates the creation of an invoice, and manages inventory control, stock balance management, goods item management and overall staff management.

Online inventory management software packages are given as freeware to support advertisements of particular products. These freeware versions usually operate without any restrictions. A few are free download versions lasting for a 30-day trial period. The evaluation version of free inventory management software packages will work only for a specified amount of data. As the number of records increases, the software terminates its processing. But in the case of registered versions there exist no problems, as future upgrades can be done online.

There are a large amount of inventory management software providers and other inventory control software resources available on the Internet, which includes inventory control software white papers and case studies. Some of the inventory service websites request inventory data before the freeware is downloaded. But be careful not to provide any inventory data on servers, as it can be accessed by a third person from anywhere in the world.

So be careful in choosing the right software for your organization. Before selecting free inventory management software, you should make sure that the software that is chosen will match all the requirements of the organization.

Inventory Management Software provides detailed information on Inventory Management Software, Asset Inventory Management Software, Auto Dealer Inventory Management Software, Free Inventory Management Software and more. Inventory Management Software is affiliated with Free Inventory Control Software.

Article by Alison Cole
Inventory Management Software Zone

Inventory Management System For Proper Demand And Supply

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 07:55:00 +0000

Any business house having inventories to be managed should install an inventory management system. It helps in organizing raw materials, semi-finished goods and fully-finished goods. This system also prepares the staff so that they can become helpful asserts in inventory management.

It is a helpful tool in the decision making process regarding the inventories. A well framed inventory management system is equipped enough to support in predicting demand and supply of the products. Useful information like warehouse information, suppliers’ links, raw material dealers, customers, wholesalers and retailers can be easily accessed when required. Many functions can be carried out like pre-planning for future business undertakings, sales prediction, raw materials purchase planning, production planning, etc with ease so that the final outcome is in company’s favor.

In the market highly efficient inventory management software are available along with offline resources aids in installing productive inventory management system in business undertakings. Big companies generally hire experts to take care of this system and ensure smooth functioning. Customized software is also used by big shot companies.

Organizations that have huge inventories to manage, for them inventory management system is a boon. Shortcomings like wastage, ill-managed warehouses, unmanaged demand and supply, etc can be overcome through it. However the information system in it has to be updated at regular interval of time according to the changes in inventories. Training courses are also available for imparting knowledge about better usage of the inventory management system. These courses are on short-term basis.

It has many advantages like- saves time, maintains balance between demand and supply of the inventory, act as shield when there are doubts regarding supply and transfer of goods, etc.

Inventory management system plays significant role in helping the employees take relevant decisions. Assurance of required stock availability in the warehouse can be attained through it. Costs can be kept in-check too. It also meets regulations set through inventory management system. If the inventory software is of high quality and inventory managers are skilled, the success of inventory management is guaranteed. The positive results would be seen in the form of increased business profit and revenues, better work atmosphere, customer satisfaction and higher revenues.

Several companies are their in the market selling inventory management software, which enables to manage the inventories through computer. It has become basic requirement for any company that has inventories to be managed. The main aim of this system is to use the available resources to its best use without any wastage.

By:Alan Smith
inventory management software zone

Inventory Control And Manufacturing Software

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 07:50:00 +0000

Visual Inventory Control is a powerful and yet still simple to use Inventory Control Software.
It features a user friendly barcode requisition module that supports several types of barcode readers.
This Software can be used either as a simple inventory Control Software or a complete ERP manufacturing solution.
The unique picture driven aspect allows this software to be used with several different types of inventories. Including Electronic , Mechanical , Clothing , Food , Aeronautical, Medical and Hotel Maintenance Inventory Items.

What sets this Inventory Control Software above the rest is the Picture Driven Aspect. The software will display a picture of the part in every screen for rapid picture scroll.
Couple this with an extremely powerful stock lookup screen and the software becomes
a strong company resource that is hard to beat.
This allows users to find the correct stock part in the shortest amount of time with the least amount of information.

Software Features :

1. Detailed Purchase Order history report with output to Screen , Printer or Excel File.
2. Optional Speed Purchase Screen with Web driven UPC Barcode Lookup
3. Request for Quote (RFQ) and with one button, process it to a Purchase Order.
4. Create a Proposal and with one button, process it to a Sales Order.
5. E-Commerce Shopping Cart Add-On
6. Build Order against any Assembly and the Software will Generate all the Purchase Orders.
7. Email Purchase Orders directly to suppliers.

Visual Inventory Control Software was developed originally as a simple inventory software. As time went on and it's popularity grew , the actual customers had a large part in the system design. Purchasing departments were requesting detailed shipping information, including default Terms, Ship Via , Shipping Account numbers Vendor Tax calculation and Direct Vendor Email. This was the first step to bringing this Inventory management software to the top. We also worked with the stockroom personal to identify what they needed for a simple Inventory Software. This included barcode labels with pictures that will support several types of barcode scanners and a powerful wireless requisition software screen. We worked closely with the engineering department who requested the strongest part of this manufacturing Software. They needed to find the correct inventory part with the least amount of information to create multi-level bill of materials. The stock scan screen was built to accommodate their needs. It includes an nine-method inventory search engine allowing the user to search by stock number , manufacturing part number , category , supplier / vendor name and a unique part name search capability. With the power of this screen alone , the company saved thousands of dollars in engineering costs. What really made this Inventory control software all come together were the part pictures. The purchasing department can use the pictures to visually describe the part to different vendors for second sourcing. The Stockroom personal use the pictures for verifying the correct part is received , placed in the proper inventory bin and issued to the manufacturing floor.
An optional web driven Inventory shopping cart is also available. This allows users to log into a web shopping cart and browse the inventory. The web user can add items to their cart then complete the order by checking out. The advantage of a Web Shopping Cart is that the users do not need the inventory software installed on their computer. This Software continues to be enhanced through requests of current and new customers.

visit the website for details at http://www.dynamiccontrolsoftware.com/.
[Inventory Management Software]