InventoryManufacturing TipsSupply Chain Decoupling Inventory: Protecting Orders With Strategic Supplies Every manufacturer knows how quickly things can go sideways. A delayed shipment here, equipment trouble there, and suddenly your whole operation falls behind. Decoupling inventory takes a different approach. By placing buffer stock at key production points, manufacturers can absorb these shocks without losing their delivery commitments to meet demand. By Steve Maurer, IME 15 min read
Inventory What Is Safety Stock and How to Calculate It? Safety stock is the buffer inventory that helps companies keep serving their customers when disruptions occur. Striking a balance between stockouts and overstocking needs to rely on reliable data and mathematical equations, however. By Madis Kuuse 13 min read
Manufacturing TipsProduction planning What Is a Master Production Schedule (MPS)? With Examples The master production schedule (MPS) is a production planning tool that helps to figure out how much of a product needs to be manufactured at different periods. This simple schedule can be used as a basis for further planning and scheduling throughout the manufacturing business. By Madis Kuuse 17 min read
InventoryManufacturing Tips What Is Cycle Inventory and How to Manage It? Cycle inventory is the stock that is used to respond to regular sales and demand forecasts, as opposed to the safety stock used when there are fluctuations in demand or supply. Properly managing cycle stock is therefore a crucial part of any well-functioning business. By Madis Kuuse 6 min read
