Randi W. Stebbins

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Effective inventory planning helps businesses match supply with demand without tying up unnecessary cash. It gives teams a structured way to forecast needs, set the right stock levels, and prevent shortages or excess inventory. Strong planning improves customer satisfaction, strengthens supplier relationships, and supports long term growth. This guide explains the core methods, practical examples, and best practices for building a reliable planning process. Discover how forecasting and replenishment tools make inventory planning simpler, faster, and more accurate.

ABC analysis helps businesses focus on the stock that matters most by classifying items into clear priority groups. It strengthens forecasting, safety stock decisions, and replenishment rules by highlighting where service levels should be highest and where inventory can run leaner. This guide explains how the method works, the difference between single and two factor models, and how to apply ABC in real operations. It also covers the benefits and limitations of using ABC analysis and shows how AGR supports smarter classification with configurable metrics, confidence factors, and automated updates. Readers will learn how to use ABC analysis to improve control, protect margins, and simplify planning.

ROI, or Return on Investment, measures how effectively a business turns resources into measurable results. This guide explains what ROI means, how to calculate it, and why it matters for decision-making in inventory management. Drawing on insights from Investopedia, the Corporate Finance Institute, and our own experience, it explores both financial and operational benefits. You’ll learn how to interpret different ROI types, from annualised to social, and how to use them to assess long-term value. See how companies improved efficiency, visibility, and profitability through smarter, data-driven investment decisions.

Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) aligns every part of your business—from sales and marketing to operations and finance—under a single, data-driven plan. It balances customer demand with supply capability to ensure efficiency, profitability, and long-term growth. With shared data and consistent reporting, teams can collaborate effectively and make faster, more confident decisions. Modern S&OP goes beyond planning to deliver real-time insights powered by AI and automation, turning data into actionable foresight. Discover how AGR’s platform strengthens S&OP by connecting forecasting, ERP data, and performance visibility across your entire supply chain.