How to Identify and Avoid Obsolete Inventory

These parts can sell at premium prices as only certified parts can be used on aircraft. In each situation, look at the cost of retaining the excess or obsolete inventory. Real-time access to data across the supply chain is beneficial for real-time inventory management. This gives you the most current information about inventory levels along with other details, such as warehouse receiving and production time lines.

The first step is to identify obsolete inventory which can include damaged inventory, no more in demand in the market, or inventory that is no more saleable. Obsolete inventory is when a product batch has been lying idle in stock for a certain period, or is no more in demand. To meet the market demand, very often, companies end up adding more stock failing to understand that this practice can prove to be loss-making. While having stock to meet emergency demand is good, purchasing too much stock may diminish its value in the long run. Implement these strategies to effectively clear out obsolete inventory, streamline your warehouse operations, and ultimately improve your bottom line.

c. Decrease in Productivity

If items still have sales potential in a specific market, you could rethink your marketing strategy. This could include changing your target audience or geographic locations in marketing ads or selling the items on a different sales channel. Along with inventory management, having visibility over your inventory at all times is key. Without inventory visibility, it will be hard to understand how much of each product you need to restock and when (and what product(s) might be worth discontinuing). With today’s technology and customers’ high expectations, the product lifecycle has become shorter across industries, making inventory become obsolete much faster (e.g., fast fashion). While no small-business owner wants to run out of stock, having too much inventory can be equally problematic.

Any product that a business can’t sell can cut into profit margins and disrupt the supply chain and fulfillment operations of any brand. What’s more, until a brand unloads the obsolete inventory, the brand might still be incurring storage costs. The longer a company holds on to obsolete stock, the higher the lost cost will be. After two quarters with the inventory management software, obsolete inventory costs are down 70%, saving Central City a bundle of money and putting profit back on an upward trajectory.

Best Barcode Inventory Software in 2023

Discounting can help to recoup some of the losses incurred from obsolete inventory by generating revenue and freeing up space for more profitable inventory. Additionally, it can help to maintain customer loyalty and goodwill by offering them a good deal on products they may still want or need. One approach is to monitor social media and online platforms to gain insights into consumer behavior and preferences, as well as track emerging trends. Additionally, businesses can collaborate closely with their sales and marketing teams to stay informed about changing customer needs and preferences.

Recycling not only helps businesses to minimize financial losses, but it also supports sustainability initiatives and helps to reduce waste. Additionally, recycling can create new opportunities for partnerships and collaborations with other businesses or organizations, which can help to build brand recognition and reputation. However, repurposing requires careful planning and execution to ensure that the repurposed products meet quality and safety standards. Businesses must also consider the impact of repurposing on their existing operations and supply chain, as well as the potential impact on their brand reputation and customer relationships. Furthermore, if customers receive obsolete or outdated products, they may become dissatisfied and may be less likely to do business with the company in the future. Conducting regular market research and engaging with customers to understand their changing preferences can also help businesses to stay ahead of the curve and avoid holding onto unsellable inventory.

Poor Product Quality or Design

Of course, the best way to manage obsolete inventory is to prevent it from piling up in the first place. Once obsolete inventory has been identified, it is important for businesses to take proactive steps to manage it effectively. Managing obsolete inventory can help to minimize financial losses, optimize inventory levels, and maintain a positive reputation in the marketplace.

Most business owners know that too much inventory on hand is a losing proposition, especially if that inventory has a low inventory turnover rate. And when a company’s inventory sits on shelves for too long, it can waste costly storage space and ties up cash that could’ve been better spent elsewhere. Accumulating too much common‐size analysis can be bad for business since it cuts into profit margins. Though carrying some obsolete inventory is inevitable, it’s important to help avoid accumulating too much inventory that is at risk of losing its value.

Causes of obsolete inventory

The store is able to charge more for the set once they add champagne—and customers continue to purchase the bundle. Best of all, the company is now covering its costs and has avoided a write-off altogether. If a product is no longer in high demand but still has some value, there’s a good chance you can sell it.