Friedman on Computers: Rethinking inventory management
There are telltale signs that it's time to update your system.
If it ain't broke ... well, you know the rest. Unfortunately, waiting until it breaks can cost your company money. Case in point: Many wholesalers unwittingly are using inventory-management systems that were great when they were first implemented but no longer provide the effectiveness that is crucial to competing in both new and established channels of distribution. This article outlines some of the varied symptoms of an outdated system, the reasons why these problems occur (don't blame the computer yet!) and some of the latest solutions.
The indications of trouble are usually within a distributor's own company. It's time to take a close look at the effectiveness of your system when you hear the following: