Course Overview
Course Overview
Inventory isn't just a backroom function, it's a frontline force. Every sector, from humanitarian logistics to healthcare to retail, depends on timely access to the right items. But with outdated systems, siloed teams, and unpredictable demand, it’s easy to lose track. This course equips you with the skills to build and run a stock control system that’s reliable, responsive, and aligned with real-world needs. You’ll learn how to classify inventory, forecast demand, streamline procurement, and conduct effective stock counts. We’ll also cover digital tools, reorder point strategies, and how to create dashboards and reports that drive smarter inventory decisions. Packed with hands-on tools, real examples, and practical exercises, this training will help you see your inventory clearly and act with confidence.
Intended Participants
- This course is designed for professionals who want tighter control, better reporting, and smarter planning in inventory-heavy environments. It’s ideal for:
- Warehouse managers seeking operational efficiency
- Procurement officers optimizing order cycles
- NGO logistics teams managing aid and relief supplies
- Retail managers preventing stockouts and overstock
- Healthcare staff tracking medical inventory and supplies
- Manufacturing teams managing parts availability
- Construction project leads controlling on-site stock
- Small business owners managing goods across multiple locations
- Government supply chain teams ensuring public resource readiness
Learning Outcomes
- This course gives you the practical tools to improve visibility, reduce waste, and make inventory decisions that support smoother operations and stronger service delivery. By the end, you’ll be able to:
- Understand key concepts in inventory and stock control
- Classify and track inventory accurately using best-practice methods
- Forecast demand and optimize reorder points
- Reduce excess stock and eliminate shortages
- Build stock-taking procedures and cycle counting routines
- Improve warehouse layout and inventory flow
- Implement stock control software or spreadsheets for digital tracking
- Generate inventory reports that support better planning
Course Modules
Module 1: Foundations of Inventory and Stock Control
- What is inventory, and why does it matter?
- Types of inventory: raw materials, WIP, finished goods, MRO
- Costs of poor inventory control
- Key inventory metrics: turnover, holding cost, fill rate
- Understanding stock movement and visibility
Module 2: Inventory Classification and Stock Valuation
- ABC analysis: prioritizing your stock
- FSN and VED analysis: classifying by movement and criticality
- Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)
- Stock valuation methods: FIFO, LIFO, weighted average
- Matching classification methods to business needs
Module 3: Demand Forecasting and Reorder Planning
- The role of forecasting in inventory success
- Historical data and seasonal trends
- Reorder points and safety stock calculation
- Lead times and service level targets
- Tools and techniques for inventory forecasting
Module 4: Inventory Tracking Tools and Software
- Manual vs. digital inventory systems
- Setting up Excel-based inventory templates
- Barcoding and scanning systems
- Introduction to cloud-based inventory software
- Integrating stock control tools with procurement and sales
Module 5: Stock Control Procedures and Best Practices
- Receiving and inspection protocols
- Issuance and internal stock request processes
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for stock handling
- Cycle counting vs. full physical stocktakes
- Creating and enforcing access controls and documentation
Module 6: Warehouse Management and Layout Optimization
- Designing efficient warehouse layouts
- Location systems and labeling
- FIFO and LIFO in warehouse flow
- Reducing handling time and improving storage capacity
- Safety, cleanliness, and compliance in storage areas
Module 7: Inventory Reporting and Dashboard Creation
- Key stock reports every organization needs
- Creating reorder dashboards in Excel
- Visualizing stock trends and alerts
- Inventory KPIs: stock coverage, turnover, accuracy
- Communicating inventory data to non-technical stakeholders
Module 8: Inventory Risk Management and Loss Prevention
- Identifying common inventory risks
- Preventing stock theft and shrinkage
- Managing expiry dates and obsolescence
- Establishing inventory audit trails
- Disaster recovery planning for inventory systems
Module 9: Procurement and Supplier Coordination
- Aligning procurement with inventory needs
- Vendor-managed inventory (VMI)
- Establishing minimum and maximum stock levels
- Managing supplier performance and lead times
- Coordinating purchasing and replenishment with demand
- Top of Form
- Bottom of Form