Inventory Control & Supply Chain Management Flashcards

What is the primary goal of inventory control?

Answer: To reduce inventory costs while avoiding shortages

Inventory control's main objective is to find the optimal balance between having enough stock to meet customer demand and minimizing the costs associated with holding that inventory. This involves strategic ordering to prevent both expensive overstocking and disruptive shortages that can lead to lost sales and customer dissatisfaction.

What is supply chain management?

Answer: Coordinating all supply chain activities

Supply chain management (SCM) is the comprehensive coordination of all activities involved in the flow of goods, services, and information, from the raw material stage to the final consumer. Its purpose is to integrate and optimize these processes across various entities to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver value.

What is a reorder point in inventory management?

Answer: The stock level to reorder

A reorder point is a specific inventory level that, when reached, signals the need to place a new order for replenishment. This threshold is calculated to ensure that new stock arrives just as the current inventory is about to run out, preventing stockouts while accounting for lead time and demand during that period.

What is just-in-time (JIT) inventory?

Answer: Receiving inventory only when needed

Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory is a lean manufacturing strategy focused on receiving materials and producing goods only when they are needed, rather than storing large quantities in advance. This approach significantly reduces inventory holding costs, minimizes waste, and improves operational efficiency by aligning supply precisely with demand.

Why is supplier relationship management important?

Answer: To maintain reliable and collaborative supplier relationships

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) is crucial for cultivating strong, collaborative, and mutually beneficial relationships with key suppliers. These relationships ensure a reliable supply of quality materials, facilitate favorable terms, encourage innovation, and enhance the overall resilience and efficiency of the supply chain.

What is safety stock?

Answer: Buffer stock to prevent shortages

Safety stock is an additional quantity of inventory held as a buffer against unexpected fluctuations in demand or supply chain disruptions. Its purpose is to prevent stockouts and ensure continuous operations, protecting against uncertainties like sudden spikes in customer orders or delays in supplier deliveries.

Which technology is commonly used in inventory tracking?

Answer: Barcoding & RFID

Barcoding and RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) are advanced technologies commonly used for automated and real-time inventory tracking. These systems allow businesses to quickly and accurately monitor stock levels, movement, and location, significantly improving efficiency and reducing manual errors in inventory management.

What is the bullwhip effect in supply chains?

Answer: Demand variability amplification

The bullwhip effect describes how small changes in consumer demand can lead to increasingly larger fluctuations in demand as one moves upstream in the supply chain. This amplification of variability creates inefficiencies, such as excessive inventory, stockouts, and increased operational costs for manufacturers and suppliers.

How does supply chain management improve business performance?

Answer: By optimizing costs & improving quality

Effective supply chain management enhances business performance by streamlining operations, reducing waste, and improving overall efficiency across the entire chain. This optimization leads to lower operational costs, better resource utilization, improved product quality, and ultimately, increased customer satisfaction and profitability.