You're managing imported products with varying shelf lives. How do you ensure optimal inventory storage?

Managing imported products inventory with different shelf life can be challenging. Follow the principle of FIFO .. Regular Audit of inventiry and billing practice. Mapping the lead time of product from different sources for short shelf life . Set the dynamic reordering level product wise based upon changing sale trend . Using automated inventory management software linked to sales . Software giving intimation of short shelf life and near expiry inventory. Categorisation product on shelf life basis & leadtime for procurement to fix reordering levels . Lastly be vigilant .. through regular audits .

To ensure optimal inventory storage for imported products with varying shelf lives, consider the following strategies: 1. **Inventory Segmentation**: Group products based on their shelf lives (short, medium, long). 2. **First-In, First-Out (FIFO)**: Implement FIFO to ensure older stock is used first, minimizing the risk of products expiring before use. 3. **Storage Conditions**: 4. **Inventory Monitoring**: 5. **Rotation Policies**: 6. **Quality Control** 8. **Training and Documentation* 9. **Contingency Plans By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage imported products with varying shelf lives, reducing waste and ensuring product quality for customers.

In general there are three categories for temp controlled storage , that is - -18, 0-4 and 15-25 degree c. Factors one should keep in mind before arriving at number of days of inventory 1. The cost of storage for all three categories are different 2. One could do budgeting of their warehousing spend , let's say for 1 USD product cost ,you budget 2% on warehousing spend. 3. Budgeting can be based on market feedback and how competitively one can offer in the market. 4.based on the budget you can calculate no. Of days which is budget/storage cost 5. Then as a continuous process one can work on fefo, and DEPS parameters.

We can build well-equipped warehouses to store these kinds of items. Since they require specific temperature, humidity, and light conditions, the Quality Department plays an important role here. They have the technical knowledge needed, and as importers and exporters, we must seek their expert advice to store materials accordingly. Regular audits should be conducted as per schedule to maximize usage.

To optimize we need to deepen knowledge about Inventory and also the Product turn over in the market. By good rolling forecast we could determine the right time between ordering, clearance and scrrening as to the readiness in the market

The basic requirements of each storage and it's life has to be ascertained on priority. familiarize yourself with the specific temperature, humidity, and light conditions that best preserve the quality of your imported goods.

Understand the type of products that will be stored by identifying by category & sub family. Example, Department is Food Grocery, family is oil, and sub family is olive oil)

In my opinion, if you keep inventory with varying shelf lives then, Firstly, you must calculate the Total Lead Time ( Non-manufacturing Time + Manufacturing Time + Delivery Time ) of each item. Secondly, you need to make at least three Inventory Layers ( Maximum Stock Level + Reorder Level + Minimum Stock Level ). Thirdly, you must share current stock of products with suppliers, so that, they can maintain their stocks accordingly and be ready to deliver the shipments timely. Fourthly, you need to keep at least 4 months gap for placing the next order. Fifth, yes you must have good storage facilities, so that, the inventory should keep safe. By following these steps, you can keep inventory with varying shelf lives.

Delivery lead-time of imported goods are always longer than locally sourced ones. Thus, to keep inventories optimized but still satisfy business demands, some tools we can consider: - Re-ordering mechanism: Reordered quantity= avg. daily units sold x avg. lead time (days) (+ safety stocks + stocks on hand - stocks in transit). - Frequent reviews of inventories reports to have opportune clearances of aging, short shelf-life stocks (promotions to push sales, internal transfer or destructions of expired or dead stocks). - Good WMS system with tailormade shelf-life alarm and orders consolidation rules to foster just-in-time purchase orders.

A correct WMS can significantly help with inventory optimization because it contains all necessary data. Based on my experience, when the personnel handling or supervising the warehouse lack high-level compliance, it complicates things and leads to inventory discrepancies. We can control the system, but the people handling this area must adhere to compliance standards to effectively implement a robust inventory management system.

O sistema de inventário é fundamental para manter o controle de estoque em seus níveis adequados, pois através dele sera possível verificar possíveis gargalos e deficiências no processo gestão.

A robust inventory system is essential for businesses to manage stock efficiently. It allows tracking of goods from acquisition to sale, ensuring optimal levels to meet demand without overstocking. An effective system enhances decision-making by providing real-time data on inventory levels, trends, and sales patterns. It also minimizes costs associated with storage and stockouts. Investing in a reliable inventory system not only streamlines operations but also improves customer satisfaction through accurate order fulfillment. Thus, a well-implemented inventory system is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and profitability in today's market.

Implementing a robust inventory management system is key to tracking products with varying shelf lives. This system should enable you to monitor stock levels, expiry dates, and turnover rates efficiently. By using First Expiry First Out (FEFO) or First In First Out (FIFO) methods, you can ensure that older products are sold or used before fresher ones, thereby minimizing waste. Advanced systems might even employ barcode or RFID technology for real-time tracking, making it easier to maintain an optimal inventory

In this section, logistics personnel typically rely on the purchasing team. With proper planning and regular communication with suppliers, we can ensure that materials arrive on time and align with our inventory needs

En un flujo correcto, el comprador debe transmitir, aparte del bien o servicio que se necesita; la forma en la que se espera recibirlo y gestionarlo. Es complejo y tedioso establecer procedimientos pero deben existir y sobretodo darse a conocer pues esto nos permitirá unificar procesos y se tendrá mas tiempo en automatizarlos. No digo que toda la responsabilidad cae en compras pero ellos fungen un papel muy importante pues ellos tienen el tacto directo con los proveedores. Es importante que el departamento entienda los distintos procedimientos, manuales, políticas de la empresa y sean estrictos con ellos, pues de eso dependerá el flujo de la compra y la gestión del material o servicio.

Effective coordination of suppliers is crucial for maintaining smooth and efficient operations in any business. My experience has shown that establishing clear and consistent communication with suppliers is key to ensuring timely delivery of products and services. Maintaining strong relationships based on trust and transparency facilitates quick problem-solving and adaptation to changes in demand or market conditions. Furthermore, effective coordination helps optimize costs and ensure the quality of received products, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction.

A cordial relationship with the supplies management team is always advantageous. Any problems ca be set forth without any delay. Establishing a good relationship with your suppliers can also lead to more flexibility in managing order sizes and frequencies,

A coordenação gom fornecedores é primordial, pois fortalece as relações comerciais, é importante ver os fornecedores como parceiros, pois sso eles que estarão juntos jogos projetos possibilitando a continuidade da vantagem competitiva da empresa.

Based on finished goods forecasts, we can predict the raw material needs for the following month. Using software like APS (Advanced Planning and Scheduling) tools can also expedite the process and provide accurate data

En effet, une prévision précise est essentielle pour équilibrer l'offre et la demande, surtout pour les produits à durée de conservation limitée. Vous avez bien souligné l'importance d'utiliser les données historiques et les tendances du marché pour anticiper les besoins futurs, ce qui est crucial pour éviter les surstocks ou les ruptures de stock. De plus, l'intégration d'outils de prévision avancés montre une approche proactive et axée sur les données, ce qui est essentiel pour une gestion efficace des stocks et des achats. Cela démontre une compréhension approfondie des dynamiques du marché et une volonté d'innover pour améliorer les opérations.

Accurate Demand Forecasting is a must to succeed in big companies if you have wide range of products. Optimal inventory storage can be sustained only with right planing, regular stock checks, regular alarm list checks also with right and regular communication with suppliers to manage the delivery time and sales force to understand fast moving items. All these steps are essential to follow by purchasing team to avoid out of stock issues and minimize overstock problems.

Here are the vital points: Historical Sales Data Analysis: Examine past sales to identify patterns and trends. Market Trends: Stay updated on market conditions and consumer preferences. Seasonal Fluctuations:Account for seasonal variations that impact demand. Advanced Forecasting Tools: Utilize sophisticated software for data-driven insights. Informed Purchasing Decisions: Use forecasts to order the right quantities, avoiding overstocking and stockouts. Shelf Life Management: Consider the shelf life of products to minimize waste and ensure freshness. Implementing these strategies will help in making accurate forecasts, leading to efficient inventory management and improved customer satisfaction.

Review of a shelf life not o ly helps you to determine any unforseen conditions but will also help you to plan perfectly. This proactive approach allows you to make adjustments to your inventory strategy, such as running promotions for products nearing their expiry date or adjusting order quantities

WMS plays a crucial role in this process by providing all the necessary data to make informed decisions. This helps save money, increase revenue, and avoid turning inventory into scrap or waste. Effective management focuses on this because any unused inventory will count as an expense until it is used correctly.

first and foremost thing to consider is if you have made a proper demand forecast based on past trends and then the orders should be placed accordingly. Each item with a specific shelf life will obviously be stored in separate sections and a strict monitoring of the expiry date should be ensured, the stock out system will be FIFO. and specific discounts could be offered to your suppliers for products that are left on your shelves and are closer to getting expired

As an expert in materials management and store administration, every staff in your materials management line must be taught to adhere to GSP (Good Storage Practice) and GDP (Good distribution Practice). While the former defines the efficiency within your organization, GDP helps you to plan your inventory levels as you are able to interface with your customers, while understanding their needs, infrastructure etc to support your outflow. When both principles are mastered in your stock administration, an efficient WMS can effective complement your strategy.