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Check out our library of resources for optimising inventory, written by 25+ years experienced supply chain pros

October 7, 2026
12 min read

How Small Planning Teams Manage Thousands of SKUs

How can a small planning team manage thousands of SKUs without continually adding headcount? The answer lies in reducing the manual work behind every item. Learn how exception-based planning, automated ordering and smarter inventory processes can help teams spend less time building purchase orders and reviewing routine items, and more time on the products and decisions that need their attention. See how companies including Vital Pet Group, Muuto and Sæther are using inventory planning software to manage large product portfolios more efficiently.
What Is Stock Control? Definition, Importance & Methods
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September 23, 2026
12 min read

What Is Stock Control? Definition, Importance & Methods

Learn what stock control is, why it matters and how the right methods can help businesses maintain availability without tying up too much capital in inventory. This guide covers key stock control techniques, from ABC analysis and safety stock to reorder points and automation, and explains how inventory planning software can take stock control further with demand forecasting, inventory optimisation and automated replenishment.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
What Is a Backorder? Definition, Causes, and Management
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September 14, 2026
13 min read

What Is a Backorder? Definition, Causes, and Management

Backorders can help retain sales when stock runs short, but frequent backorders may point to problems with forecasting, replenishment or inventory planning. Learn what causes backorders, how they affect customer service and operations, and how inventory management software like AGR can help businesses anticipate demand, optimise stock levels and reduce unnecessary backorders.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
What Is the Procurement Process? Steps, Stages & Workflow Guide
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September 8, 2026
10 min read

What is the Procurement Process? Steps, Stages & Workflow Guide

Learn what the procurement process involves, from identifying business needs and selecting suppliers to purchasing and performance review. Explore common challenges and how better demand visibility, inventory planning and automation can support smarter procurement decisions.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
The Economics of Intelligent Software AI is making software easier to build but harder to price
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June 29, 2026
7 min read

The Economics of Intelligent Software

Intelligent software is changing how businesses work, but its biggest value isn't replacing people. It's helping them make better decisions, reduce routine work, and focus on what matters most. Explore why the future belongs to organisations that combine human expertise with AI to create smarter, more productive ways of working.
By Halla María Hjartardóttir Halla María Hjartardóttir
Top Inventory Management Alternatives and Competitors in 2026
June 19, 2026
6 min read

Top Inventory Management Alternatives and Competitors in 2026

Compare the leading inventory management alternatives in 2026, including AGR, RELEX, Slimstock, EazyStock, and Netstock. Explore how each platform approaches forecasting, inventory optimisation, replenishment, supplier management, and planning automation. Learn which solution is best suited to your business requirements and discover the key capabilities that separate basic inventory tools from advanced planning platforms. Whether you're a retailer, wholesaler, or distributor, this guide helps you make a more informed software selection.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
What Is the Retail Inventory Method? Formula & Examples
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June 8, 2026
8 min read

What Is the Retail Inventory Method? Formula & Examples

The retail inventory method helps retailers estimate inventory value without conducting a full physical stock count. This guide explains how the method works, how to calculate ending inventory using the cost-to-retail ratio, and where it fits within modern retail operations. You'll also learn the advantages and limitations of the approach, how it compares to FIFO and other valuation methods, and why many retailers are moving beyond estimation with forecasting, replenishment, and inventory planning software. Whether you're in finance, inventory management, or retail operations, understanding the retail inventory method provides valuable context for making smarter inventory decisions.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
Woman using computer in a warehouse
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June 3, 2026
11 min read

SKU Rationalisation: Process, Formulas & Decision Framework

Most businesses accumulate SKUs over time, but more products do not always lead to better results. SKU rationalisation helps companies identify underperforming, redundant, and low-value products so they can reduce complexity, free up working capital, and improve inventory performance. This guide explains the SKU rationalisation process, key formulas, and practical frameworks used to build a healthier, more profitable product portfolio. Learn how to make data-driven decisions that improve inventory turnover, forecasting accuracy, and operational efficiency.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
Machine Learning in Retail: Use Cases, Benefits, and Inventory Examples
May 28, 2026
10 min read

Machine Learning in Retail: Use Cases, Benefits, and Inventory Examples

Machine learning is transforming how retailers forecast demand, manage inventory, and respond to changing customer behaviour. This guide explores the most important retail use cases, from automated replenishment and assortment optimisation to pricing and supply chain planning. Learn how machine learning improves forecast accuracy, reduces stockouts, and helps retailers make faster, data-driven inventory decisions at scale. Discover the practical benefits, common challenges, and real-world examples shaping modern retail operations.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
Stock to Sales Ratio: Definition, Formula and How to Optimise It
April 28, 2026
7 min read

Stock to Sales Ratio: Definition, Formula and How to Optimise It

The stock to sales ratio helps businesses understand whether inventory levels are aligned with demand. It highlights when stock is tying up too much capital or when there is a risk of stockouts. By improving forecasting, replenishment, and inventory visibility, companies can achieve a better balance between availability and efficiency. This guide explains how the ratio works, how to calculate it, and how to use it to optimise inventory performance.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
Inventory Management Problems: Common Challenges and How to Solve Them
April 21, 2026
7 min read

Inventory Management Problems: Common Challenges and How to Solve Them

Inventory management problems can quietly drain profitability through excess stock, stockouts, and poor decision-making. These challenges often stem from the same root causes: inaccurate forecasting, limited visibility, and inefficient processes. By addressing these issues with data-driven strategies, businesses can improve stock control, reduce waste, and increase service levels. This guide explores the most common inventory problems and outlines practical ways to solve them.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
Gross Margin Return on Inventory Investment (GMROI)
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April 15, 2026
9 min read

GMROI Explained: Formula, Meaning and How to Improve Inventory Profitability

GMROI reveals how effectively your inventory is generating profit by connecting margin performance with stock investment. It helps businesses understand which products drive returns and which tie up capital without delivering value. By improving forecasting, optimising inventory levels, and focusing on high-performing SKUs, companies can strengthen profitability and cash flow. This guide explains how GMROI works and how to use it to make smarter inventory decisions.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
Assortment Planning in Retail: The Complete Guide
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March 30, 2026
9 min read

Assortment Planning in Retail: The Complete Guide

Assortment planning in retail determines which products you sell, where you sell them, and how well your inventory performs. This guide explains how retailers balance product variety, demand, and profitability through structured assortment strategies. It covers key components such as SKU selection, localisation, and seasonality, alongside a step-by-step planning process. You will also learn how assortment decisions connect to forecasting and replenishment, and how modern software improves accuracy and efficiency. The result is a clearer approach to reducing excess stock, avoiding stockouts, and driving stronger retail performance.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
Retail Metrics: The KPIs That Drive Performance and Profitability
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March 23, 2026
9 min read

Retail Metrics: The KPIs That Drive Performance and Profitability

Retail metrics provide a clear view of how your business performs across sales, operations, customers, and inventory. This guide explains the key KPIs retailers rely on to measure efficiency, profitability, and demand alignment. It places particular focus on inventory metrics such as turnover, sell-through rate, GMROI, and days inventory outstanding, which directly impact cash flow and stock performance. You will also learn how to prioritise the right metrics, overcome common tracking challenges, and turn insights into better planning decisions. By understanding these metrics, retailers can improve availability, reduce excess stock, and drive more profitable growth.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
Retail Inventory Management: 5 Best Practices to Optimise and Master Inventory
February 17, 2026
7 min read

Retail Inventory Management: 5 Best Practices to Optimise and Master Inventory

Discover five retail inventory management best practices that help you improve availability, reduce risk, and protect margins at scale. From inventory visibility and automated replenishment to smarter forecasting and structured review processes, this guide explains how to move from reactive firefighting to data-driven control. Learn how to turn inventory into a strategic asset that supports profitability and customer satisfaction.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
Retail Replenishment: The solution for optimal inventory management
February 5, 2026
8 min read

Retail Replenishment: The Solution for Optimal Inventory Management

Retail replenishment is the process of keeping the right products available across stores and channels without tying up unnecessary capital. It sits at the core of effective retail inventory management, helping businesses balance availability, cost control, and customer expectations. By applying the right replenishment strategies, retailers can reduce stockouts, limit excess inventory, and improve cash flow while responding to demand volatility, promotions, and short product lifecycles. Modern retail replenishment combines data-driven planning, automation, and inventory visibility to support consistent decision-making across locations and channels.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
Dual Sourcing to Increase Supply Chain Resilience 
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February 4, 2026
8 min read

Dual Sourcing to Increase Supply Chain Resilience 

Dual sourcing is a practical strategy for reducing supply chain risk without adding unnecessary complexity. By working with more than one supplier for critical products or materials, businesses can protect availability, respond faster to disruption, and reduce dependence on single points of failure. This guide explains how dual sourcing works, when it makes sense, the benefits and trade-offs to consider, and the best practices that help organisations strengthen resilience while maintaining cost control.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
What is the Pareto Principle
January 26, 2026
6 min read

What Is the Pareto Principle?

Learn what the Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, means in a business and supply chain context. This guide explains how a small number of activities, products, or decisions often drive the majority of results, with practical examples from productivity and inventory management. It also shows how the principle underpins ABC analysis, helping teams prioritise high-impact inventory items and focus resources where they create the most value.
Reorder Point (ROP): Definition, Formula & How to Calculate
January 22, 2026
7 min read

Reorder Point (ROP): Definition, Formula & How to Calculate

Learn how reorder points help balance stock availability and inventory costs. This guide explains what a reorder point is, how it is calculated, and why it plays a critical role in preventing stockouts and overstocking. You will find practical formulas, examples, and planning insights that show how reorder points support more reliable replenishment and smarter inventory decisions across the supply chain.
OTIF on time in full
January 19, 2026
9 min read

OTIF Meaning: Definition, Formula and How to Improve

On time in full (OTIF) is a core supply chain metric that shows whether orders are delivered exactly as promised, both on time and in the correct quantity. This guide explains how OTIF is calculated, why it matters across retail, manufacturing, and distribution, and how different industries apply it in practice. It also covers common OTIF challenges, performance benchmarks, and proven ways to improve service levels through better forecasting, inventory policies, and supply chain visibility.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
Safety stock
January 15, 2026
10 min read

Safety Stock: Definition, Importance and How to Calculate

Safety stock is the buffer inventory that protects availability when demand or supply does not go to plan. It absorbs forecast errors, supplier delays, and demand spikes while helping businesses maintain service levels without tying up unnecessary working capital. Understanding how to calculate and manage safety stock is essential for balancing risk, cost, and customer satisfaction in modern inventory planning.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
January 12, 2026
8 min read

AI Inventory Optimisation: Definition, Benefits and How it Works

AI inventory optimisation helps businesses manage stock more intelligently by connecting demand forecasting, inventory policies, and replenishment decisions in one adaptive system. Instead of relying on static rules, AI continuously learns from demand signals, supplier performance, and real-time inventory data. The result is fewer stockouts, less excess inventory, and more confident decision-making under uncertainty. This guide explains how AI inventory optimisation works today and why it has become a practical capability for modern supply chain teams.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
Finance in Supply Chain: Why Procurement and Inventory Sit at the Heart of Financial Performance
December 15, 2025
9 min read

Finance in Supply Chain: Why Procurement and Inventory Sit at the Heart of Financial Performance

Finance in supply chain is often reduced to cost control, but its real impact runs much deeper. Procurement, inventory, and service level decisions directly shape revenue, margins, and cash flow. In this Chain Reactions episode, Elva and Keith explain why supply chain sits at the centre of financial performance, not on the sidelines. They explore how shared data, clear metrics, and cross-functional collaboration help teams move beyond silos. The result is a supply chain that supports smarter financial decisions and stronger business outcomes.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
Days Inventory Outstanding (DIO): Meaning, Formula and How to Improve It
December 5, 2025
5 min read

Days Inventory Outstanding (DIO): Meaning, Formula and How to Improve It

Days Inventory Outstanding (DIO) shows how long stock remains on hand before it is sold. It is a key measure of supply chain efficiency, cash flow health, and inventory performance. In this guide, we explain how to calculate DIO, what high or low results mean, and how to use it to strengthen forecasting and replenishment. You will also learn how different industries benchmark DIO and which practical steps reduce it. With the right tools and planning, you can improve stock rotation and free working capital.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
Service Level: Understanding Performance in Supply Chains
December 2, 2025
6 min read

Service Level: Understanding Performance in Supply Chains

Service levels show how reliably your supply chain meets customer demand and keeps products available when they are needed. This guide explains what service levels are, how to measure them and why they influence everything from fulfilment to customer satisfaction. You will learn how service levels connect to safety stock, supplier performance and smarter replenishment decisions. The article also highlights common mistakes to avoid and how to set targets that balance cost and availability. Discover how stronger service levels lead to a more efficient, predictable and profitable supply chain.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins

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Know a business that could use AGR? Tell us who to contact and we will take it from there.

If the deal closes, you will receive a 20% fee.