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Last updated on Oct 9, 2024
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  2. Business Administration
  3. Small Business

Struggling to maintain timely deliveries and optimal inventory levels in your small business?

Dive into the balancing act: How do you juggle inventory and delivery times?

Small Business Small Business

Small Business

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Last updated on Oct 9, 2024
  1. All
  2. Business Administration
  3. Small Business

Struggling to maintain timely deliveries and optimal inventory levels in your small business?

Dive into the balancing act: How do you juggle inventory and delivery times?

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
11 answers
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    Benjamin James Collins

    Director

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    We used to overstock out of fear and still miss delivery windows. It was chaos until we made 3 simple shifts: 1. Set reorder points based on real sales data, not guesses. 2. Used basic software to sync inventory and orders. 3. Built better relationships with suppliers faster updates, faster response. It wasn’t about having more stock. It was about having the right stock, at the right time.

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    Nazneen Irfan

    Entrepreneur | International Trade | Manufacturer of Industrial Valves | MBA

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    Inventory management is the key factor. Planning and Forecasting the sales should be done. Set Re-order levels Manage it - To be monitored on daily basis. Set buffer stock alarms before reorder level hits, so that it highlights at right time to refurbish the stock.

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    Franco Ramos

    Industrial Engineer | Transforming Operations with Data Analytics & Digital Innovation | Co-Founder @Blink

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    To improve inventory and delivery timing, I recommend integrating real-time communication tools with vendors. This ensures faster updates on stock levels and delays, while fostering stronger partnerships through consistent, transparent dialogue—key for small businesses aiming to streamline operations.

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    1
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    Muneer Thaivalappil

    MBA, CIPS, CIPP, CIPM, CICCM - Supply Chain Leader | Procurement & Logistics Specialist | Demand Planning | Category Management| Inventory Management | Medical & Health Care Procurement | S&OP | 3PL

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    Balance inventory by analyzing sales patterns, setting reorder points, using JIT for fast movers, maintaining safety stock for essentials, offering multiple delivery options, building supplier relationships, and leveraging inventory software for automation.

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    Luis Rogerio Silveira

    OPERATION | LOGISTICS | SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER

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    Entregas pontuais trás satisfação ao cliente e saber ajustar o estoque no nível ideal trás satisfação para dono, gestor. O que podemos fazer: 1. Ter um método e modelo de entrega, usando de forma a atender melhor o cliente. 2. Ter acordo com transportadoras, visando uma forma de padronização do processo. 3. Usar um processo de ponto-a-pedir ou lotes mínimos, assim fará uma gestão visual. 4. Ter um software para controle e baixa no sistema. 5. Alinhar a demanda do cliente, analisando a sazonalidade. 6. Ter estoque de segurança para itens estratégicos para seu negócio.

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    Igor Morote

    Strategic Planning

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    Esse é um dos maiores desafios de quem trabalha com estoque: não imobilizar muito dinheiro, mas ter produto suficiente pra atender a demanda. A ferramenta que mais uso é a curva ABC + disciplina semanal: compras e vendas alinhadas, monitoramento religioso e olho nos prazos de recebimento e entrega. Com essa rotina de acompanhar os números, você mantém o estoque no ponto certo: nem sobrando, nem faltando.

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    Hamza Saleem

    Co-Founder & CEO | We Build Scalable, AI-Ready SaaS & Healthcare Platforms | Staff Augmentation for Startups & Enterprises

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    To overcome delivery and inventory challenges, start by improving your demand forecasting using sales data and seasonal trends. Implement an inventory management system to track stock in real time and set reorder alerts to avoid shortages or overstocking. Strengthen relationships with reliable suppliers and consider diversifying sources to reduce delays. For deliveries, streamline your fulfillment process and explore local courier partnerships for faster service. Clear communication with customers about delivery timelines also helps manage expectations and build trust. Let me know if you'd like a shorter version or bullet points!

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    Eder Mauricio Velásquez A.

    Profesional en Ingeniería Industrial │ Especialista en Logística Integral Analista de Inventarios │ Abastecimiento │ Cadena de suministro │SAP Gestión por procesos │ Análisis de datos │ Gestión de Inventarios

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    La gestión de la cadena de suministro presenta desafíos significativos cuando se trata de asegurar entregas a tiempo y mantener niveles de inventario óptimos . Estos dos aspectos están intrínsecamente ligados y pueden generar una serie de problemas si no se manejan de manera efectiva. Pronóstico de la demanda inexacto: Esto puede llevar a una producción insuficiente o excesiva, afectando la disponibilidad de productos y la capacidad de cumplir con los plazos de entrega. Ineficiencias en el transporte y la logística: Rutas de entrega ineficientes, problemas en la aduana pueden causar demoras significativas en el tránsito de mercancías.

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    Muhammad N.

    Lecturer @ASTRIV | Enabling Growth Through Data-Powered Digital Solutions | Strategic Leader & Innovator

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    For deliveries, I've learned that being upfront and honest with customers about timelines goes a long way. And finding reliable local partners for delivery makes a huge difference in keeping things on track. It’s about being smart with what you have and building trust with your customers through clear communication.

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    Abdul Mazed

    Online Activist

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    Struggling to maintain timely deliveries and optimal inventory levels in your small business is a common challenge that affects customer satisfaction and profitability. To tackle this, start by analyzing your sales data to forecast demand more accurately. Implement inventory management software to track stock in real-time and set reorder points. Strengthen relationships with reliable suppliers and build in flexibility for lead times. Streamline your logistics by coordinating closely with delivery partners. Regularly review performance metrics to spot inefficiencies early. By improving visibility, planning, and communication, you can achieve better balance and ensure smoother operations.

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