How can you balance carrying costs with stockout risks in inventory optimization?
Balancing carrying costs with stockout risks is a critical aspect of inventory management. The challenge lies in maintaining enough stock to meet customer demand without incurring excessive costs associated with holding inventory. Carrying costs include storage fees, insurance, depreciation, and capital costs, while stockout risks entail missed sales opportunities and potential damage to customer relationships. Striking the right balance requires a strategic approach that optimizes inventory levels, minimizes costs, and ensures product availability.