Manufacturing Inventory Management: Updated Guide for 2025

Manufacturing Execution System (MES)

Introduction

Inventory management is the unsung hero of the manufacturing world, a critical process that underpins a company’s efficiency, profitability, and ability to meet customer demands. 

In the simplest terms, manufacturing inventory management is the process of tracking and managing inventory as it transforms from raw materials into finished goods ready for sale. This involves orchestrating the procurement of raw materials, monitoring work-in-progress (WIP) inventory, tracking finished goods, and ensuring timely customer order fulfillment. 

Successful inventory management hinges on maintaining the delicate balance between minimizing costs and ensuring there’s enough merchandise available when and where customers need it.

Why is Inventory Management So Crucial for Manufacturing Companies?

Effective inventory management directly impacts a manufacturer’s financial health, reflected in its balance sheet and cash flow statement. Businesses across many industries benefit from the increased efficiencies of using effective inventory management solutions. By maintaining optimal inventory levels, manufacturers can:

  • Meet Demand: Ensure they have enough products to fulfill customer orders on time.
  • Avoid Shortages: Prevent stockouts, leading to lost sales, dissatisfied customers, and production delays.
  • Minimize Excess Inventory: Reduce carrying costs associated with storing and managing surplus stock and potential losses from obsolescence and spoilage.
  • Optimize Cash Flow: Avoid tying up capital in excess inventory and ensure a healthy cash conversion cycle.
  • Streamline Workflows: Improve efficiency by automating tasks, reducing manual processes, and increasing visibility across the supply chain.

Types of Inventory

Before a product reaches the hands of a customer, it undergoes various stages in the manufacturing process, each associated with a different type of inventory. Understanding and tracking these different types is essential for effective inventory management.

an infographic showcasing the types of inventory for inventory management.
 
  • Raw Materials: The foundation of any manufactured product. Raw materials are the unprocessed components used to create finished goods. Examples include lumber for furniture, flour for baked goods, or steel for automobiles.
  • Work-in-Progress (WIP): This category encompasses partially finished products that are still undergoing production. WIP inventory represents value added to raw materials through processing and assembly. For instance, cut and sewn fabric pieces awaiting final assembly in a clothing factory would be considered WIP.
  • Finished Goods: The culmination of the manufacturing process, finished goods are completed products ready to be sold and shipped to customers. Examples include fully assembled furniture, packaged food items, or ready-to-wear clothing.
  • Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO): While not directly incorporated into the final product, MRO inventory is crucial for supporting the production process. It includes items like tools, spare parts, lubricants, and safety equipment.

Inventory Management Methods and Strategies

Navigating the complexities of inventory management requires a strategic approach. Manufacturers can employ various methods and techniques to optimize their inventory levels and streamline operations.

Inventory Planning Methods

  • Just-in-Time (JIT): A lean manufacturing philosophy where inventory is ordered and received only when needed for production, minimizing storage costs and waste. JIT relies heavily on accurate demand forecasting and dependable suppliers.
  • Materials Requirement Planning (MRP): A system that plans production and identifies material requirements based on sales forecasts and production schedules. MRP helps manufacturers determine the optimal timing and quantity of materials to order, ensuring smooth production flow.
  • Reorder Point/Reorder Quantity (ROP/ROQ): This method establishes a predetermined inventory level (reorder point) at which a fixed quantity (reorder quantity) of materials is automatically ordered. ROP/ROQ ensures timely replenishment and helps prevent stockouts.

Inventory Management Techniques

  • ABC Analysis: A technique for categorizing inventory based on its value and usage frequency. A-items represent high-value items that require close monitoring, while C-items are low-value items requiring less attention. Prioritizing stock has a wealth of potential advantages like knowing where and when to focus the most effort, increasing transparency in inventory processes, helping to better organize the stockroom and supply chain, etc.
  • Demand Forecasting: Predicting future demand for products based on historical data, market trends, and customer orders. Accurate forecasting helps manufacturers determine optimal production levels and prevent stockouts or overstocking.
  • Batch Tracking: Recording and monitoring the movement of product batches throughout the supply chain. Batch tracking ensures traceability, facilitates quality control, and enables targeted product recalls if necessary.
  • Cycle Counting: A method for regularly counting a subset of inventory to ensure accuracy and identify discrepancies. Cycle counting helps maintain accurate inventory records without disrupting operations.

Inventory Management Strategies

  • Just-in-Time (JIT): Explained above, JIT aims to minimize inventory levels and associated costs by receiving materials only when needed.
  • Economic Order Quantity (EOQ): This model helps determine the optimal order quantity that minimizes the total inventory cost, considering factors like demand, ordering costs, and carrying costs.
  • Pull Strategy: Products are manufactured only in response to actual customer orders, minimizing inventory holding costs and waste. The pull strategy requires flexible manufacturing processes and close coordination with suppliers.
  • Push Strategy: Products are manufactured based on forecasted demand, aiming for faster fulfillment times and potentially better margins. However, the push strategy carries the risk of overstocking if forecasts are inaccurate.

Inventory Management Metrics

  • Lead Time: The time it takes for an order to be placed and received.
  • Inventory Turnover: Measures how quickly inventory is sold or used.
  • Average Inventory: The average amount of inventory held during a specific period.
  • Days of Supply: Indicates how long the current inventory will last based on projected demand.

Inventory Accounting

Accurate inventory accounting is essential for maintaining a company’s balance sheet. This involves tracking the value of raw materials, WIP, and finished goods inventory. Modern inventory management systems can automate this process, providing real-time insights into inventory costs and helping calculate the cost of goods sold (COGS), a critical metric for determining profitability.

Tools and Technology for Manufacturing Inventory Management

Manual inventory tracking, relying on spreadsheets and physical records, is becoming increasingly outdated. It is time-consuming, prone to errors, and struggles to scale with growing businesses.

 

Digital inventory tracking tools offer numerous advantages, including:

  • Automation: Reducing manual data entry and streamlining processes.
  • Increased Accuracy: Minimizing human errors and ensuring data integrity.
  • Real-time Visibility: Providing up-to-date information on inventory levels and locations.

Examples of these tools include:

  • Barcode Scanners: For quick and accurate data entry.
  • RFID Tags: For real-time tracking of inventory movement.
  • Inventory Management Software: For comprehensive inventory control, forecasting, and reporting.

Manufacturing Inventory Management Software

Specialized software solutions provide manufacturers with powerful tools for managing their inventory effectively. Key features include:

 

  • Real-Time Tracking: Continuous monitoring of inventory levels across all stages of production.
  • Demand Forecasting: Leveraging historical data and algorithms to predict future demand.
  • Order Management: Streamlining the process of receiving, processing, and fulfilling customer orders.
  • Reporting: Generating insightful reports on inventory levels, turnover, costs, and other key metrics.

 

Popular software solutions include NetSuite, MRPeasy, and Unleashed. These systems can integrate with other business systems, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and accounting software, creating a unified platform for managing all aspects of the manufacturing business.

a comparative infographic between having and not having manufacturing inventory software.
 

Advanced Technologies

Emerging technologies are transforming the landscape of inventory management.

  • The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT): Connected devices and sensors provide real-time data on inventory levels, location, and condition.
  • 5G: High-speed connectivity enables faster data transfer and improves the responsiveness of inventory management systems.
  • AI and Machine Learning: Advanced algorithms enhance demand forecasting, optimize inventory levels, and automate decision-making.

Best Practices for Manufacturing Inventory Management

Implementing best practices ensures that inventory management processes remain efficient, accurate, and aligned with business goals.

  • Regular Audits and Cycle Counts: Conduct periodic physical inventory counts and frequent cycle counts to verify inventory accuracy and address discrepancies.
  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Foster communication and information sharing between departments involved in inventory management. This ensures everyone is aligned on inventory levels, production schedules, and customer demand.
  • Supplier Relationship Management: Build strong relationships with suppliers based on trust, clear communication, and collaborative planning. This can lead to more favorable pricing, reliable deliveries, and a more resilient supply chain.
  • Embrace Digital Transformation: Leverage digital tools and technologies to automate processes, improve accuracy, and gain real-time visibility into inventory levels.
  • Lean Manufacturing: Implement lean principles to eliminate waste, optimize workflows, and reduce inventory holding costs.
  • Continuous Improvement: Regularly review inventory management processes, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes to enhance efficiency and adapt to evolving business needs.

Conclusion

Effective inventory management is the cornerstone of success for any manufacturing company. By understanding the different types of inventory, employing appropriate planning methods and management techniques, leveraging technology, and adhering to best practices, manufacturers can optimize their inventory levels, reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction.

This is especially important with clients across the aerospace and aviation, automotive, consumer packaged goods, distribution centre, food and beverage, general manufacturing and paper and packaging sectors.

This comprehensive guide has provided a roadmap for navigating the intricacies of inventory management in the manufacturing industry. 

By implementing the insights and recommendations presented here, manufacturers can transform their inventory management from a potential liability into a strategic asset that drives growth and profitability.

Want to increase efficiency and streamline your operations? Contact TouchPath today to learn more about our bespoke inventory management solutions.

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