Consulting package · SAP MM · MRP · Production planning
Secure material availability. Manage inventory in a targeted way. Reduce tied-up capital.
Excessive stock ties up capital and causes additional costs. Stock that is too low jeopardises material supply and can cause production interruptions.
The challenge is to manage inventory so that material is available when it is needed – without building up unnecessary safety stock.
With the inventory optimisation consulting package, E&S Swiss Consulting helps companies analyse inventory structures, SAP MRP parameters and planning processes systematically and develop them further in a targeted way.
We look not only at inventory figures, but also at the causes that lead to excess stock, missing parts and unreliable material supply.
When does inventory optimisation make sense?
The consulting package is particularly suitable if:
› High inventory levels tie up considerable capital
› At the same time, missing parts or material shortages occur regularly
› Safety stocks have grown historically and are hard to justify
› SAP MRP parameters are maintained inconsistently
› Order quantities and lot sizes no longer match actual requirements
› Slow-moving or obsolete stock is increasing
› Procurement, MRP and production planning are not sufficiently aligned
› Planners frequently have to intervene manually in material planning
› Materials that are not needed sit in the warehouse and tie up capital, while materials that are needed are missing
A structured analysis helps identify the main causes and derive suitable measures.
Inventory optimisation starts with transparency
Inventory results from the interplay of demand, replenishment lead times, MRP rules, data quality and operational decisions.
That is why we do not look at inventory in isolation, but in the context of the underlying planning and supply processes. Three questions are central:
Where does unnecessary stock arise?
We analyse, for example, excess stock, low material movements, unsuitable lot sizes and MRP parameters that no longer fit.
Why do material shortages occur?
We look at changes in demand, replenishment lead times, data quality and the alignment between material and production planning, among other things.
Which measures improve the balance?
We identify ways to manage material availability and inventory levels in a more targeted way – taking actual operational requirements into account.
How inventory optimisation works
01
Clarifying goals
Together we define the goals, scope and framework conditions.
02
Analysis and assessment
We analyse your inventory situation and show the main causes and potential.
03
Measures and implementation
You receive prioritised measures. On request, we support implementation.
The exact procedure is adapted to the starting situation and the agreed scope of services.
Your result
What do you receive as a result?
The consulting package provides a sound basis for targeted improvements in inventory management. Possible results are:
✓ Transparent analysis of the inventory structure reviewed
✓ Identified causes of excess stock and missing parts
✓ Assessment of relevant SAP MRP parameters
✓ Findings on data quality and planning processes
✓ Concrete optimisation recommendations
✓ Prioritised measures with a clear rationale
✓ Proposal for implementation and success monitoring
The specific scope of results is agreed jointly before the start.
Optimising inventory and material availability together
Sustainable inventory optimisation is not simply about reducing stock as much as possible. What matters is the balance between three requirements:
◎
Material availability
Required material should be available at the right time.
▥
Inventory level
Inventory should match actual demand and operational risks.
◇
Tied-up capital
Unnecessary stock and the associated costs should be reduced.
⇌ Finding the right balance
Measures must therefore always be assessed in terms of their impact on security of supply and operational processes.
SAP MM, PP, PP-PI and PP/DS working together
Inventory optimisation is closely linked to materials management and production planning.
SAP MM supports core materials management and procurement processes. SAP PP or SAP PP-PI and, where applicable, SAP PP/DS add the view of production requirements, dates and capacities.
E&S Swiss Consulting looks at these relationships together, so that optimisation measures do not just improve individual parameters but fit the actual planning processes.
Frequently asked questions about inventory optimisation
Does inventory optimisation mean reducing stock as much as possible?
No. The goal is an appropriate balance between material availability, inventory level and tied-up capital. A blanket reduction in stock can create additional supply risks.
Is the consulting package only suitable for companies using SAP?
No. Inventory optimisation is also worthwhile for companies that use SAP or other ERP software. The analysis is adapted to the existing system landscape.
Are SAP MRP parameters changed directly?
Not without agreement. First, the existing settings are analysed and possible changes are assessed functionally. Implementation takes place within the agreed scope and takes into account the impact on material supply.
How quickly can improvements be achieved?
That depends on the causes, data quality and the extent of the necessary changes. Some parameter or process improvements may be possible in the short term, while structural adjustments take more time.
Find the right balance for your inventory
Would you like to reduce excess stock, manage material shortages better or develop your SAP MRP further in a targeted way?
E&S Swiss Consulting helps you understand the causes and derive effective measures.