In today’s busy world, businesses in every sector rely on different types of inventory goods. Products, materials, components, and even cleaning products and packaging, are all classed as controllable physical assets within a modern inventory stream, and understanding how to manage them all is a critical part of day-to-day operations.

Below, we take a look at different types of inventories that should migrate to an effective inventory management software system for better productivity.

1. Raw Materials Inventory Management
Accrued at the beginning of the inventory management cycle, raw materials are items used to manufacture and produce final products. A business may purchase raw materials to manufacture or assemble its products or else sell them to third-party organizations that then transform them into a finished product.

Raw materials are among the most essential stock items in an inventory chain. They dictate manufacturing rates and productivity, so effective and timely procurement is essential.

Businesses should use an appropriate inventory management platform to track, manage and store their raw materials inventory.

2. Maintenance, Repair & Operations Inventory Management
Maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) goods are those that are used as part of a manufacturing supply chain. They are the essential items that a business needs as part of its day-to-day production operations, including things such as PPE and safety equipment, parts and manufacturing equipment, cleaning supplies, and batteries.

Many businesses overlook MRO stock as part of their inventory management strategy. But it’s important to remember that such goods may play a vital role in everyday operations, aiding personnel in all aspects of the manufacturing cycle. Such items will also need to be stored, logged, and ordered in an effective, timely way so as to avoid overstocking or wastage.

3. Work-in-Progress Inventory Management
Work-in-progress inventory refers to goods that are no longer in their raw-material state, and aren’t yet ready for sale. Examples of this include a car that hasn’t yet had its engine installed or a scented candle without a wick.

WIP stock is easy to overlook because it’s often part of a complex production cycle, whereby goods are moving through various manufacturing stages. A modern cloud ERP software can help monitor such stock, with real-time tracking and smart inventory management controls.

4. Packing Materials Inventory Management
Packing materials inventory refers to all the items required as part of logistics, warehousing, and delivery operations. It includes goods and materials that are used for both shipping items to customers and as a means of protecting stock in the warehouse—think boxes, packaging, paper, bags, and bubble wrap.

As with MRO stock, packing materials are regularly left out of a formal inventory management strategy. But, just as with PPE and cleaning goods, packing materials are an essential part of day-to-day operations and need to be accounted for, particularly if you want fiscal reports, cost of goods, and turnover to be as accurate as possible.

Ready to take control of your inventory? Get in touch for a free demo of Averiware cloud inventory software now!
Essential Elements of an Accurate Inventory Management Software
Managing inventory may seem straightforward. But with lots of moving parts and a cash flow to maintain, it’s a business function that requires commitment, investment, and a considered approach.

Below are four essential elements that an accurate inventory management software must have. These things can be applied to all types of inventories, whether that’s raw materials or maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) goods.

Stock Prioritization: Some stock will fly off shelves while other items sell more slowly. Prioritizing your inventory will help you order the materials and goods you need to retain cash fluidity.
Product Tracking: Tracking product information throughout a supply chain is fundamental to effective inventory management. Cloud ERP software can facilitate accurate batch tracking, which is useful for grouping inventory items by barcode, lot number, and country of origin.
Inventory Auditing: Regularly auditing your inventory is a powerful way to avoid common management issues, such as under or overstocking or product tracking inaccuracies. Performing regular stock checks is essential throughout the supply chain, reducing the likelihood of problems and backlogs further down the line.
Easy Analysis of SCM Operations: However tightly you control your inventory, inefficiencies, delays, or inaccuracies within the wider supply chain can have a negative impact on day-to-day operations. That’s why it’s critical to periodically analyze and review the performance of your supply chain: what works and what doesn’t. And do any of your suppliers regularly cause problems (late deliveries, missing items) that have a knock-on effect within your organization?
Finally, pick the right inventory management software
An effective and accurate inventory management software relies on having the right tools and processes in place to control stock efficiently. And while it is possible to manage inventory manually, technology is your friend in this regard. With a modern cloud ERP software like Averiware, you can make light work of managing even the most complex inventory infrastructure, with batch tracking, smart stock control, and other useful functionalities, facilitating competent and accurate management.