Many people often confuse inventory management and inventory control. Both processes fulfil different roles but are interlinked in the supply chain. Inventory management includes inventory control but involves activities that include the sourcing, forecasting and replenishment of stock in every stocking location or warehouse.
Inventory control, on the other hand, involves the monitoring of stock levels and knowing what, where and how much inventory is on-hand in a store, stockroom or warehouse. Inventory control regulates the inventory that is already in a distributor’s warehouse. Warehouse management is, therefore, an essential component of any inventory control system. This ensures that you, as the supplier, know exactly where each product is located in the warehouse, guarantees that all inventory remains in great condition, and assists in laying out the warehouse in a way that minimises the costs related to filling customer orders. In the case of larger companies, inventory control systems are also supported by ERP software solutions to ensure full operational optimisation and management.
Different types of Inventory control systems make use of several different innovative technology solutions that are fit for purpose in this dynamic and ever-changing industry.
Over the years, innovations in technology have seen several trends develop in the inventory control space with the aim of helping to streamline supply chain activities. These trends effectively track and manage the movement and sales of your inventory items in real-time. Some of these trends include:
There are several types of inventory control systems that enhance transportation and distribution processes within the oil and gas industry. These solutions allow for the real-time intelligent information processing in the warehouse to maximise efficiency. These inventory control systems include:
This type of inventory control system allows for proactive decision making. This tool will enable you to create a state-of-the-art space management system by running and maintaining records related to stock numbers, lot number, and the number of loads in each storage location. Grid coordinates of the reserve area, including individual rack tier positions, must be established and the load capacity of all storage locations needs to be incorporated into the database.
A warehouse numbering system needs to be developed in conjunction with the storage layout and should be user-friendly to ensure that workers can quickly locate currently stocked items.
These are a valuable investment for larger warehouses. These systems use technology to enhance efficiency and have made it possible for the warehouse computer system to interact with terminal display on the machinery itself. Task assignment can, therefore, be made by visual display or print-out, and task completion can be confirmed by scanning, keyboard entry, or voice recognition.
This type of inventory control system looks at maximising the use of storage space with the aims of easing traffic congestion and reducing problems associated with the ongoing turnover of inventory.
This is a form of inventory valuation where the inventory account is updated at the end of an accounting period rather than after a sale and purchase. This allows businesses to track inventory turnover at the beginning and end of an accounting period.
The perpetual system keeps track of inventory balances continuously, with updates made automatically whenever a product is received or sold.
All types of Inventory Control systems aim to maximise profits with minimum investment and without impacting customer service levels. These systems provide better visibility and lower operating costs by ensuring:
Save on operational costs by enhancing inventory control processes. These systems maximise the use of resources which include raw materials, finished products, equipment, space, time and people.
By implementing different types of inventory control systems, you are able to reduce error rates and increase inventory accuracy, which will enhance your overall ROI.
Through the implementation of inventory control systems, you will gain insight into possible problem areas and be able to fix them before they become more costly to the business.
Increase transparency into stock, quality, labour utilisation and what is happening in terms of inventory processes in the warehouse. This will provide you with the necessary information and insight to manage these processes effectively.
Through inventory control systems, you can locate and track stock and monitor the quality of the stock going in and out of the warehouse.
Different types of Inventory control systems are essential to the effective transport and distribution of oil and gas in both small businesses and large organisations. There are several types of inventory control systems that can be implemented to assist in managing inventory levels and warehousing processes that will ultimately make your business more efficient and agile. Ensure that you are adopting the right inventory control software solution for your business by contacting Adapt IT Energy, leaders in the field of software solutions in the oil and gas industry. Let Adapt IT Energy assist in optimising your downstream supply chain with an inventory management software solution that suits your business needs.