Here's how you can streamline inventory and supply chain logistics in a food operation.

Streamlining inventory & logistics would start by understanding the customer requirements in terms of demand for the product, where the product is needed and at what time. Starting with demand estimation, the perspective should shift from demand planning being one team or function's job to it being looked at as collaborative activity from cross functional teams - Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, Finance and Manufacturing. Demand planning should not just rely on historical data of the organization but consider some of the aspects like Market research reports (Ex: Nielsen Data), Trade inputs, Media activations, Competition landscape, external events, etc. It should also consider collaborating with customers in demand forecasting.

Here are some simple steps: Implement software to track inventory levels, orders, and deliveries for maintaining accurate records and reduces manual errors. Forecast Demand helps in ordering the right amount of stock, reducing waste and shortages. Build strong relationships with reliable suppliers. Good communication ensures timely deliveries and better negotiation on prices. Regular Audits helps in identifying discrepancies early. First-In, First-Out (FIFO) reduces the risk of spoilage and waste. Automate Reordering ensures you never run out of essential items. Efficient Storage, Proper labeling and categorization can save time and reduce errors. Staff training helps in maintaining consistency and accuracy.

Tudo deve come?ar pelo planejamento do nível de estoque por SKU, seguindo pela análise e defini??o da curva ABC. A partir daí, o ideal e seguir com a defini??o do estoque de seguran?a e ponto de trigger de reposi??o. Sempre trabalhar com 2 ou mais fornecedores, e ao longo do tempo, desenvolver novos de forma a pleitear redu??o de custo por unidade, trazendo saving estruturado a cada FY. Sem deixar de citar da importancia de se ter um bom WMS/ERP, que seja qualificadode forma que assegurem as parametriza??es necessárias citadas nos parágrafos 1 e 2.

A data-driven approach to inventory management is essential for optimizing operations and reducing costs. By accurately assessing your needs and aligning your inventory levels with demand, you can minimize waste, improve efficiency, and enhance profitability.

My first under assessment in terms of inventory was when I under estimated how busy we would get a Eid Holiday, our footfall went from a previous day about 340 customers to almost 900. Whenever their is longer holiday especially one that falls on a weekend it is best to have an abundance that deficit. Checking the previous 4 to 6 sales record that fall on the same holiday sessions usually plays the trick.

As a result of good vendor relationship; timely return of goods will make good progress in maintain healthy inventory. Also increase the regular purchase level. This will manage both side to ensure healthy purchase - stock level.

Vendor Relationship simply means you being kind to your vendor and that includes the delivery team. For instance, your vendor was out of a certain sauce for over a month once the item arrives at their warehouse 80% chances are that if alot of people ordered the same item you might be given priority by the fact that you relate well with the vendor, the driver can give your order preference of delivery simply because the attitude,respect and kindness that you have with then is not matched by other receivers. Being humane and kind goes a long way in Vendor relationship among other things.

Vendor relation means having a constant communication with the supplier,this will ensure effeciency in delivery as open communication will seal gaps of late deliveries,short landing and over supplies.Communication means all neccesary information is shared timely hence all supply chain arrangments are within the specifications issued.

Tech integration should always have a component of change management to integrate people along with Technology. With high variability in F&B product shelf life, inventory policies and reorder points need to be tailored to individual SKUs.

Integrating tech in inventory management means embracing quick way of analyzing data for informed decision making.Tech is indeed the game changer in automation of all the processes of inventory and supply chain management through timely tracking of the processes end to end without having to move from point one to another as all information is availed remotely.

Having a tech that is integrated into your system is good, having one that is efficient and easy to use is even better. Remember if the business operates for more than 12 hours there might be times that some inventory movement needs to be done in your absence and from experience a tech that is easy to use makes the process even more efficient.

The best waste control method is frequent retraining of the staff when it comes to waste regulation and FIFO. People tend to be less compliant with time, hence reiterating the importance of waste control and regular checking of FIFO procedure will actually ensure it is done. From my experience having charts or graphs placed in the common area that others can be able to see how the waste control is going on is essential as they become aware. Waste accountability also helps, having a ledger or file that show what was wasted and by who helps to control unnecessary wastage.

They allow people to update their knowledge and acquire new knowledge, which strengthens their ability to respond to changes in the environment or their work requirements, and increases their performance.

Practical training of staff on how to handle products plays a vital role as well. If a staff is well training in terms of FIFO arrangements and responsibilities are shared it makes the team to be more involved in terms of regulation the general procedure in inventory. Emphasizing the KPI's in terms of inventory and supply chain gives the employees a sense of team work.