Inventory Handbook for perishable supply chains.
What is inside
The handbook is split into nine plays. A play is one specific job, such as setting safety stock or deciding what to do with stock that is close to expiry. Every play follows the same three steps: when to use it, how to do it step by step, and what to watch out for so you avoid the common mistakes. Not sure where to start? A lookup table at the front lists common questions and points you to the play and page that answers each one.
Play 1
Measure what matters
Ten measures with one written definition each, so plant, warehouse and sales argue about decisions and not about whose number is right.
Play 2
Segment your SKUs
Cut the range by value, variability and shelf life, so attention goes where it pays and not evenly everywhere.
Play 3
Forecast demand
Forecast by product, location and channel. Baseline times lift for promotions, festivals and seasons.
Play 4
Set stock levels
Safety stock, reorder point, order quantity and the shelf-life cap that keeps lots from outliving their life.
Play 5
Allocate across the network
Move, mark down or liquidate while a batch still has options. Minimum remaining shelf life rules by channel.
Play 6
Keep records true
Reconcile at every handoff, so errors are caught where they were made and expiry dates can be trusted.
Play 7
Suppliers and lead times
Measure variation, not just the average, and stop safety stock from growing to absorb late deliveries.
Play 8
Weekly planning rhythm
A lean week on one page, so sales, supply and finance plan from one view of next week.
Play 9
Weekly health check and root cause
A short standing routine and the five whys, to catch problems before they become write-offs.