Managing inventory requires knowing where every product is in the supply change process. Technology has advanced to bring more clarity and accountability in this operation to boost competitiveness.
Inventory management technology involves tracking the flow of products in and out of your warehouse. It allows you to know what stock is on shelves, the number of available products, and the sales process of orders as the products are picked and packed for shipments. A warehouse can ensure that products do not get lost or damaged during the supply chain by having efficient inventory management processes.
This process also helps to update inventory records in data network systems. Sales representatives can view data to instantly know the amount of inventory available to customers and at what price. It also allows the right amount of inventory to be ordered to replenish stock without ordering too much or too little.
Warehouse operations continue to change to satisfy how customers shop and order products. As a result, inventory management processes are also changing. Today, new technologies are streamlining the process to make it more accurate while reducing repetitive tasks.
TECHNOLOGY’S ROLE IN INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
Technology plays a vital role in how versatile inventory management processes are for a company. It offers a competitive advantage to every business model, including e-commerce companies where customers may not speak to an actual sales representative throughout the order process. The technology offers several key features, which may include:
- Real-time data management:Data is updated in real-time throughout every computing system connected to the network. This process provides greater clarity on actual inventory levels and customer sales order history.
- Centralization record-keeping:All systems become centralized while still allowing employees to work from any location. Inventory management technology allows for greater information-sharing between departments that can boost communication and collaboration.
- Scalability:This technology allows companies to scale their operations so they always remain competitive. Many systems allow you to select the features that will work for your current needs and add more options as the business grows.
- Reporting and analysis:Inventory technology management provides reporting and analysis features. These features help gather the right data at the appropriate time, analyze the data based on specific parameters, and generate meaningful reports to benefit the company.
The type of inventory technology management features that are available will depend on the vendor. Some vendors may offer the basics, while others will allow for integrations into other systems. In addition, some technology may be tailored for a specific industry or business model, such as e-commerce or food sales.
EVOLUTION OF INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
The technology used today has changed quite drastically from when it was first implemented in supply chains. Manual counting was the norm during the Industrial Revolution, as this slow process caused inaccuracies and hindered business growth.
Let’s check out how technology has evolved from this method to systems that are used today:
- Punch cards:As a step up from manual counting tasks, punch cards offered more efficiency to companies after the Industrial Revolution. Holes would be punched into the card to match cataloged inventory. Then the cards would be fed through a card reader connected to a computer to update records. This process is seldom used today.
- Barcodes:Barcodes were created around the 1940s. A UV light-sensitive ink was placed on products as they came into the warehouse that held important data. This data included the type of product, price, location, origin, and other information. The barcode would be scanned by a reader as the data was manually inputted into network systems. Barcode technology is still used today as the technology continues to evolve.
- RFID microchips:Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a type of technology that is used today in addition to barcodes. A tiny microchip is placed on the products. A barcode reader scans the microchip as the data is automatically uploaded to network databases.
BENEFITS OF INVENTORY TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
An inventory management system’s main benefits are using advanced technology to promote more visibility and accuracy in the supply chain. The technology allows you to know where every product is in the warehouse.
The tech also allows for better order fulfillment and procurement. Sale representatives know what inventory is available at all times to fill orders and can make adjustments when products start to run low. In addition, many inventory management systems automate the procurement process when product levels reach certain thresholds so shipments can arrive on time without any order delays.
Lastly, inventory management helps to provide cost-savings and increase operational efficiency by automating redundant processes. Fewer inventory counting errors may be committed that will cause problems and drive up costs.
WSI’S INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
Technology is ever-evolving. You want to have the right tech and tools available to improve warehouse accuracy and to track products in your supply chain. At WSI, we want to ensure that your products reach their destinations on time and at the right budget.
We employinventory management solutionsto your supply chains to better manage the movement of inventory, procure products, and provide comprehensive logistical strategies. Learn more about our solutions bycontacting WSI today.
FAQs
How technology has improved inventory management? ›
It allows you to know what stock is on shelves, the number of available products, and the sales process of orders as the products are picked and packed for shipments.
What solutions would you give it to improve its inventory management? ›- Centralized Tracking: Consider upgrading to tracking software that provides automated features for re-ordering and procurement. ...
- Transparent Performance: ...
- Stock Auditing: ...
- Demand Forecasting: ...
- Add Imagery: ...
- Go Paperless: ...
- Preventive Control: ...
- Measure Service Levels:
Automated inventory management technology uses automation through inventory tracking technology such as barcodes and automated identification and data capture (AIDC) technology such as RFID to collate information and manage the flow of goods.
Does the new technology helps the business in managing its inventory? ›Overall, the use of technology for enhanced forecasting and demand planning in inventory management can greatly improve the accuracy and effectiveness of inventory management, helping businesses to optimize their inventory levels and reduce costs and risks.
What are 5 benefits of using technology to improve stock control? ›- Improved Access To Information. Supply chain technology that works well connects previously isolated data. ...
- Improved Insight. ...
- Improved agility. ...
- Better Collaboration. ...
- Improved customer loyalty.
One of the greatest advantages of a computerized inventory system is that it makes for faster, more accurate counting. Scanning barcodes or QR codes is faster and easier than writing down stock numbers manually or flipping through pages of inventory sheets, looking for the correct item.
What are the three 3 tools used to improve inventory management? ›- Barcode data collection. The perpetual inventory system is highly dependent on timely and accurate reporting. ...
- Cycle counting to improve accuracy. ...
- ABC analysis for prioritisation. ...
- Integrated planning and execution. ...
- Lot tracking and traceability.
- Fine-tune your forecasting. ...
- Use the FIFO approach (first in, first out). ...
- Identify low-turn stock. ...
- Audit your stock. ...
- Use cloud-based inventory management software. ...
- Track your stock levels at all times. ...
- Reduce equipment repair times.
Why Is Inventory Management Important? Inventory management is vital to a company's health because it helps make sure there is rarely too much or too little stock on hand, limiting the risk of stockouts and inaccurate records.
What technology is used to count inventory? ›Using barcodes, RFID or QR codes is one method of tracking your inventory levels and their movements. This automated process includes some manual labor but automates the management side of inventory control.
What's the role of technology in better managing inventory provide three concrete points? ›
Characteristics of Good Inventory Management Technology
Help foresee future demand for your products. Help prevent shortages in production as well as ready inventory. Help prevent excess raw materials or ready inventory. Make it easier for you to analyze your inventory on multiple devices.
The performance of inventory management systems has been greatly advanced since the 1970s through the development of software as a service (SaaS) options and database management systems (DBMS).
How can new inventory systems improve productivity? ›An effective inventory management system allows you to react quickly to market demands and fulfill customer orders on time while ensuring you maintain optimal stock levels. It enables you to strike a balance between being under and overstocked—both undesirable scenarios.
How do new technologies make things better for businesses? ›Technologies have made elements of business such as manufacturing, communication, purchasing, sales and advertising easier and more effective for businesses. Changes in technology have included: Email – electronic mail enables written messages to be sent instantly to others, and files can be shared as attachments.
How do businesses use technology to increase productivity? ›Technology can help improve productivity in a number of ways, whether it's by automating tasks or by managing projects more effectively to free employee mental bandwidth. But be sure to consider the impact of implementing any technological tools.
What are the benefits of an efficient inventory management system? ›Inventory management helps companies identify which and how much stock to order at what time. It tracks inventory from purchase to the sale of goods. The practice identifies and responds to trends to ensure there's always enough stock to fulfill customer orders and proper warning of a shortage.
What are the benefits of inventory technology? ›With inventory management software, businesses can automate the process to reduce errors, minimize labor costs and produce more accurate stock counts. Automation reduces a company's dependence on human labor and makes the inventory management process more efficient in the long term.
How might technology be used to increase the speed and accuracy of inventory? ›RFIDs help make inventory management more efficient by preventing the need to scan barcodes or labels. Rather than only keeping track of numbers, businesses can now easily track their inventory and supply chain in real time.
What are the four 4 systems that can be used in inventory management? ›Four major inventory management methods include just-in-time management (JIT), materials requirement planning (MRP), economic order quantity (EOQ) , and days sales of inventory (DSI).
What is the efficiency of inventory management? ›What is inventory efficiency? Inventory efficiency is how effectively you use your inventory to balance customer demand and warehouse overheads. It's about having the right products, in the right quantities, at the right time, as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.
How do you measure the effectiveness of inventory management? ›
To measure performance in inventory management, one of the most common metrics to use is the “number of inventory turns.” This number is calculated using the ratio of the value of purchased stock to the value of stock on hand. The metric, number of inventory turns, aims to measure the movement of stock.
What is the most important part of inventory management? ›One of the most critical aspects of inventory management is managing the flow of raw materials from their procurement to finished products. The goal is to minimize overstocks and improve efficiency so that projects can stay on time and within budget.
What are the two major methods for inventory management? ›FIFO and LIFO.
LIFO and FIFO are methods to determine the cost of goods. FIFO, or first-in, first-out, assumes the older inventory is sold first in order to keep inventory fresh. LIFO, or last-in, first-out, assumes the newer inventory is typically sold first to prevent inventory from going bad.
Amazon inventory management systems are specialized software that can be used to keep track of your inventory levels, deliveries, sales, and orders originating from your Amazon sales channels. They aim to reduce your carrying cost, mitigate fees, and synchronize inventory across all your listings.
Which technique is used in inventory management? ›Material Requirements Planning (MRP) is an inventory management technique. Under this technique, the manufacturers/producers order the inventory after taking into account the sales forecast. Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system incorporates data from different areas of the business where inventory is utilized.
What is inventory in information technology? ›An inventory information system is the combination of inventory management software and inventory management processes & procedures to connect, track and manage the flow of goods, activities, information and resources across a business.
What are the three main tasks of technology management? ›Technology strategy (a logic or role of technology in organization), Technology forecasting (identification of possible relevant technologies for the organization, possibly through technology scouting), Technology roadmap (mapping technologies to business and market needs), and.
What are the three main functions of management technology? ›- Protects your data.
- Helps you manage opportunity.
- Connects your employees, data, and customers.
Technology has three major aspects: goods and services, human activities that create these products, and capabilities that enable technical activities. The aspects are interrelated and mutually reinforcing.
Which technology is used for supply chain management and inventory control? ›Enterprise resource planning (or ERP), refers to software that helps businesses to manage and automate many back office tasks. When used in supply chain management, ERP software helps businesses to easily see how their materials and inventory are being used.
What are three technologies systems that would enhance supply chain performance? ›
AI, machine learning, and analytics
Every modern supply chain has a vast treasure trove of data that can unlock insights into complex global supply networks.
Improved Quality of Life
From communication and transport to healthcare and connectivity, technology has enhanced our lives for the better. The best part is that it is ever-evolving by facilitating more advanced features. For instance, we have come far from traditional audio calls to instant messaging and facetime.
For both remote workers and in-house teams, technology can improve productivity for employees by offering better collaboration, communication and time-saving tools.
How much does technology increase productivity? ›One study found that 23% of workers saw increased productivity levels as a result of using mobile applications and software tools. The overall goal is to reduce or eliminate manual, time-consuming tasks for employees.
How to improve inventory management using AI? ›AI inventory management solution enables you to automate the storage, collection, and dissemination of all inventory-related data. These include product tracking, supplier delivery times, product information, and item location within the storage facility.
How have technological improvements in products such as automobiles and computers impacted inventory decisions? ›How have technological improvements such as automobiles and computers impacted inventory management? The technology has had a tremendous impact on inventory management. The utilization of bar coding has not only reduced the cost of taking physical inventory but also enabled real time updating of inventory records.
What are the 3 major inventory management techniques? ›In this article we'll dive into the three most common inventory management strategies that most manufacturers operate by: the pull strategy, the push strategy, and the just in time (JIT) strategy.
What is the use of technology in the inventory? ›The role of information technology in inventory management is to provide a system for tracking inventory levels and managing stock. In addition, information technology has made it possible to connect inventory management systems with other business systems, such as accounting and CRM.
Which software is used for inventory management answer? ›Zoho Inventory – Best budget inventory system for new startups. ecomdash – Inventory software with eCommerce features to grow your business in different directions. Cin7 – Good for small to mid-sized businesses looking for inventory management software. Fishbowl – A feature-loaded solution with Quickbooks integration.
What is considered the best and accurate way to improve inventories? ›Using cycle counting is one of the best ways to identify problem areas and to maintain high levels of inventory accuracy. An effective cycle counting program is a valuable way to improve accuracy because you are undertaking partial physical counts every day until you have cycled through your entire inventory stock.
What impact would improved technology have on supply? ›
Technology leads to an increase in the efficiency of the production process which results in the shifting of the supply curve to the right. With decreasing cost of production more and more customers will be demanding the product. Also read: Price Elasticity of Supply.
How can technological improvements have a positive impact on the supply of a product? ›Technological advances that improve production efficiency will shift a supply curve to the right. The cost of production goes down, and consumers will demand more of the product at lower prices.
How improvements in technology cause supply to increase? ›New technology
A technological improvement that reduces costs of production will shift supply to the right, causing a greater quantity to be produced at any given price.