Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

Inventory management technology

• Which order management system features can improve customer service?

  Great order management provides insight that shipping, production, marketing and other functions need to gain a competitive edge and keep customers happy. Here's what to know.  Continue Reading

• What are the biggest inventory optimization factors in ERP?

  Replenishment strategies, lot sizes, safety stock, reorder point planning and replenishment lead time are five factors in ERP that can ensure inventory remains at an optimal level.  Continue Reading

• What's most important in creating a supply chain management strategy?

  Begin with the end in mind: great customer service. That's one secret to establishing your supply chain priorities -- one that can help as you decide on its tradeoffs.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between logistics and supply chain management?

  Logistics is part of supply chain management, but the two terms are often used synonymously. Here's a quick explanation of how these two are different.  Continue Reading

• What are some best practices for crafting a supply chain technology strategy?

  Supply chain managers have a tough job and face many challenges. Technology can help but must also be approached with return on investment top of mind. Here are three tips that can help.  Continue Reading

• How do e-commerce returns affect reverse logistics management?

  Customers expect to return purchases, which means you need to be proactive in your approach to reverse logistics. Here are some things to think about.  Continue Reading

• What should companies know about sustainability software?

  Sustainability is composed of social, environmental and economic pillars. That's why technologies focused on this market address different needs. Here's a narrow glimpse.  Continue Reading

• How is inventory management for e-commerce challenging?

  The inventory challenges of adding e-commerce to your supply chain are considerable. Here's a look at what they entail and how you might overcome them.  Continue Reading

• Which companies could use inventory optimization software?

  Inventory -- although necessary -- is expensive to keep and needs fine-tuned management. Here's a look at why inventory optimization software can help.  Continue Reading

• What are some reasons to use inventory optimization software?

  Knowing how much inventory to keep on hand can make or break your customer service. Here's a look at software that can help you get it right.  Continue Reading

• What should a CFO know about inventory and inventory turns?

  An effort to reduce inventory without seeing the amount in context is a recipe for disaster. Here's information that can help the finance team avoid such costly mistakes.  Continue Reading

• What are the advantages of cycle counting?

  If you're looking for that holy grail of 98% inventory accuracy, cycle counting can help. Here's how to move away from taking only periodic inventory counts.  Continue Reading

• What makes inventory turns a popular measurement?

  Inventory turns can help you determine whether company performance costs and margin are keeping up with sales.  Continue Reading

• Can MRP be successful without 98 percent inventory accuracy?

  Effective MRP requires prioritizing inventory accuracy and true troubleshooting over a reliance on safety stock and other compensating factors.  Continue Reading

• What is perpetual inventory and why does it matter?

  To ensure an accurate inventory balance, don't overlook the practice of perpetual inventory. Here's what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• How do we account for WIP inventory?

  It may require a manual process, but WIP inventory can – and should -- be tracked to ensure accountability.  Continue Reading

• How can distribution requirements planning help inventory management?

  An expert explains how distribution requirements planning can help companies gain better control over their inventory and prevent shortages.  Continue Reading