Materials Management & Inventory Control: Optimize Supply Chain

Why This Course

In today’s competitive and fast-changing business environment, effective materials management and inventory control are vital to operational efficiency, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction. Organizations must balance stock availability with working capital optimization — ensuring the right materials are available at the right time, in the right quantity, and at the right cost.

The Materials Management and Inventory Control Excellence program is an intensive 5-day course that provides a complete understanding of modern inventory management practices. Participants will gain the knowledge, analytical skills, and practical tools to manage materials effectively, improve inventory accuracy, and strengthen overall supply chain performance.

What You’ll Learn and Practice

By joining this program, you will:

• Understand the core principles and objectives of materials management and inventory control.
• Develop strategies to optimize inventory levels and minimize carrying costs.
• Apply forecasting and demand planning techniques for accurate replenishment.
• Implement efficient warehouse and stock control systems.
• Measure and enhance performance using key supply chain metrics.
• Align materials management with broader business and supply chain strategy.

The Program Flow

Day 1: Introduction to Materials Management

• The role of materials management in supply chain success.
• Key components and interdependencies in the supply chain.
• Understanding different inventory types and their functions.
• Analyzing cost factors and their impact on profitability.
• Workshop: Mapping the materials management process in your organization.

Day 2: Inventory Control Techniques

• ABC analysis and strategic inventory classification.
• Applying the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) model effectively.
• Safety stock and reorder point calculations for optimal balance.
• Just-In-Time (JIT), lean inventory, and continuous flow systems.
• Exercise: Optimizing stock levels through scenario-based calculations.

Day 3: Demand Forecasting and Planning

• Key forecasting methods and their practical applications.
• Integrating demand planning with procurement and production.
• Managing variability and uncertainty in demand.
• Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment (CPFR).
• Case Study: Improving forecast accuracy in a manufacturing environment.

Day 4: Warehouse Management and Stock Control

• Designing efficient warehouse layouts and material flow systems.
• Enhancing accuracy through cycle counting and stock auditing.
• Leveraging barcode, RFID, and automation technologies.
• Implementing and optimizing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Hands-on Session: Designing a warehouse optimization plan.

Day 5: Performance Measurement and Optimization

• Establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for inventory control.
• Calculating and interpreting inventory turnover, service levels, and days of supply.
• Identifying and applying cost reduction opportunities.
• Embedding continuous improvement in materials management.
• Capstone: Building a performance dashboard for materials and inventory management.

Individual Impact

• Strengthen your analytical and decision-making skills in inventory control.
• Gain confidence in optimizing stock levels and managing costs.
• Learn to integrate forecasting, warehouse, and materials management practices.
• Develop practical tools and dashboards for ongoing performance tracking.

Organizational Impact

• Improve operational efficiency and reduce inventory-related costs.
• Enhance supply chain visibility, accuracy, and responsiveness.
• Increase working capital efficiency through optimized stock management.
• Build a culture of continuous improvement and performance measurement.

Training Methodology

This program combines conceptual learning with applied practice to ensure real-world results. Learning methods include:

• Case studies from manufacturing, retail, and logistics sectors.
• Hands-on exercises in forecasting, EOQ, and inventory optimization.
• Group workshops on warehouse design and process improvement.
• Interactive simulations and KPI analysis sessions.
• Tools, templates, and models for immediate implementation at work.

Beyond the Course

Upon completion, participants will be equipped to lead materials management and inventory initiatives that balance efficiency, cost, and service excellence. They will return ready to:

• Develop customized inventory optimization strategies.
• Implement accurate forecasting and demand planning processes.
• Improve warehouse operations and stock control systems.
• Measure and continuously enhance supply chain performance.