When you've received a request, it's usually not best practice to fulfill it blindly. Of course you need your reps to stay in stock, but an advanced approach also takes into account other information, such as:
How much do they already have?
How often are they requesting?
How much have they sold?
When was the last time they received any?
"The Inventory Optimization / Utilization for Request Fulfillment Report presents data that provide a comprehensive view of your inventory options for each request. By considering factors such as distance to inventory, days since last use, and custodian holding time, the report helps you make informed decisions about which stock to allocate."
Let's break down everything you can see and do in this report:
Filters
The report automatically shows all custodians and all catalog numbers, so if you're assessing a particular request it's best to filter down a bit. Remember to always hit the purple refresh button to apply your filters!
Requestor: Filter for the particular user(s) whose needs you'd like to assess by checking the boxes in the dropdown menu.
Catalogs: Select the catalog #'s of which items you'd like to review
Remember to click the purple refresh button to apply your filters!
Reporting
The following information is presented in the report for your analysis.
Widgets:
Open Requests:How many requests are open given the filters applied? This can help you make sure there is not duplication of fulfillments and understand if the user is waiting on inventory.
Unique Catalog Items:How many different inventory items are in their custody?
# of Requests by User:How many total requests have been made by each user selected in your filters?
Report Data:
This report breaks down the specific inventory item data by request.
Request ID: What is the ID # of this request? Scroll down the list to review different request line items.
Requested by: Who created the request for inventory?
Catalog #: The catalog # of the item being assessed
Lot/Serial: Review the various batches of inventory by lot #
Custody: Who is the custodian being reviewed?
Qty in Custody: How much of this inventory item do they have in custody?
Distance (by Zip): How far away is the nearest inventory to this custodian, judging based on zip code.
Days Held (Since last transfer): How long has it been since they were last transferred this inventory; how long have they held it? If you notice a custodian has a long holding time, you can choose to reallocate this inventory to a different user who has a shorter "Days Since Last Use"
Days Since Last Use: When was the last time this inventory item was used in a case? This may help you to discern inventory velocity and if there is risk of the inventory sitting stagnant.
Using the Report:
When you have a request to assess, apply filters for the custodian in question. This will allow you to review the inventory position and circumstances with a laser focus on that custodian.
If you'd like to consider transferring inventory from another custodian in the same distributorship or from a nearby custodian, then select the different custodians in the distributorship, depending on the situation.
Narrow down by catalog # to review item by item and make specific inventory decisions for fulfillment.
If you need inventory for a given custodian, consider reallocating inventory from custodians who have high holding times or a high "days since last use". You can also assess who may be able to transfer inventory to them nearby to eliminate the need for a shipment.