Non-food companies can buy more inventory at the front end and sit on it to avoid running out of the stock they need. “The ability to over buy to reduce stockouts is not an option for food companies,” hair says. “Not only does it increase a company’s carrying cost, but the excess inventory would spoil.”

Take Advantage

A solid inventory software program gives the fresh food producer the tools needed to address product tracking, strategies for dealing with production disruptions and figuring out the right balance on hand inventory, “so you don’t have an overstock or shortage,” Hair says. To handle these situations, an inventory management system needs to provide producers ways to effectively address issues that arise in a user friendly manner and provide the necessary functions to do so accurately.

“A proper inventory management system will solve issues by helping a fresh food producer track the following; inventory quantities, total asset value with the ability to filter by warehouse and item, and offer traceability and tracking to give cradle to grave visibility with recall protocol,” Hair says. “This starts with tracking batch or lot numbers and can also include production and expiration dates. Inventory software should also use minimum and maximum inventory alerts and re-order alerts with purchase order automation to streamline ordering and re-ordering.”

Inventory Tech

A system that helps producers set safety stock levels helps to manage and prepare for unseen events that cause problems. A sudden increase in customer demand or a late delivery will be easier to overcome. Management will be able to right inventory levels quicker, with more accuracy and with the least amount of reduction in quality. “It can also help track inventory shrinkage to identify loss due to waste, damage, spoilage and theft,” Hair says.