Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning Archives

Inventory, distribution, and replenishment planning are essential to balancing inventory investment with superior customer service, predictable revenue fulfillment, and profitable growth. Explore insights on inventory optimization, distribution requirements planning, replenishment strategies, multi-echelon inventory, and SIOP (Sales Inventory Operations Planning). Learn how leading manufacturers and distributors leverage Supply Chain Planning, data, technology, and integrated planning processes to improve product availability, strengthen Risk & Resilience, optimize working capital, and support long-term business success.

Distribution Strategies to Improve Cost and Cash Flow
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Distribution Strategies to Improve Cost and Cash Flow

Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning

Distribution Strategies to Improve Cost and Cash Flow

Distributors can reduce costs, improve cash flow, and increase productivity by connecting demand forecasts with inventory, warehouse operations, and capacity planning. Integrating data across ERP, WMS, and planning systems enables smarter decisions, better space utilization, improved customer service, and profitable growth.

Lisa Anderson2026-10-20T13:28:25-07:00October 12, 2026|Categories: Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning|Tags: ASI, Capacity planning, Customer service, Data & Analytics, Distribution, Inventory optimization, Productivity, Profitability, S&OP, SIOP, Supply chain planning, Working capital|

VMI Case Study to Drive Win-Win Customer & Supplier Results
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VMI Case Study to Drive Win-Win Customer & Supplier Results

Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning

VMI Case Study to Drive Win-Win Customer & Supplier Results

Taking your supplier / customer relationships to the next level of partnership is integral to supporting profitable growth with exceptional customer service and cash flow (ie. inventory turns) levels. Vendor managed inventory (VMI) can be integral to maximizing revenue/ service, profitability, and working capital.

Lisa Anderson2026-10-03T21:00:47-07:00October 22, 2025|Categories: Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning|Tags: Best of, Case study, Customer service, Data & Analytics, Demand planning, DRP, ERP, Inventory optimization, Inventory reduction, Medical products, Predictability, Profitability, Replenishment, Revenue growth, S&OP, SIOP, Supply chain planning, VMI, Working capital|

When is a Supply Chain ‘Trade Off’ NOT a Trade Off?
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When is a Supply Chain ‘Trade Off’ NOT a Trade Off?

In The News, Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning

When is a Supply Chain ‘Trade Off’ NOT a Trade Off?

Increasing inventory levels is seen as a trade-off with service and efficiency levels; we find that a win-win-win is achievable. The key: Have the right inventory in the right place at the right time and gain a predictive view of demand to optimise your schedules to reduce inventory while increasing service and efficiency.

Lisa Anderson2026-06-21T22:40:12-07:00August 6, 2025|Categories: In The News, Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning|Tags: Customer service, Demand planning, Inventory optimization, Inventory reduction, Predictability, Profitability, Replenishment, S&OP, SIOP, Supply chain planning, Working capital|

4 Keys to VMI Success
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4 Keys to VMI Success

Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning

4 Keys to VMI Success

VMI (vendor managed inventory) is the process where the supplier manages the customer's inventory so that the customer has the "right" item in the "right" place at the "right" time to ensure high service levels, efficient and productive operations, and the least amount of inventory tied up unnecessarily. The best VMI programs ensure that the end-to-end supply chain gains with both the supplier and the customer achieving improved results or benefits.

Lisa Anderson2026-06-20T18:47:42-07:00April 28, 2025|Categories: Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning|Tags: AI, APS, CRM, Customer service, Data & Analytics, Demand planning, ERP, Inventory optimization, Inventory reduction, Medical products, Predictability, Profitability, Replenishment, S&OP, SIOP, Supply chain planning, VMI, Working capital|

Inventory Optimization In Full Focus in the Turbulent Economy
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Inventory Optimization In Full Focus in the Turbulent Economy

Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning

Inventory Optimization In Full Focus in the Turbulent Economy

If you follow the stock market, you might think the economy is strong. As consumers, we are frustrated with the price of everyday supplies such as food, gas, and housing.

Lisa Anderson2026-10-03T20:54:55-07:00August 1, 2024|Categories: Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning|Tags: APS, Best of, Customer service, ERP, Inventory optimization, Inventory reduction, MRP, Predictability, Profitability, Replenishment, S&OP, SIOP, Supply chain disruptions, Supply chain planning, Working capital|

Inventory Management: Go Back to the Basics for Success During Volatility
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Inventory Management: Go Back to the Basics for Success During Volatility

Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning

Inventory Management: Go Back to the Basics for Success During Volatility

Volatility has made inventory management more important than ever. Learn how manufacturers can improve customer service, reduce excess inventory, strengthen cash flow, and build resilience by mastering the fundamentals of planning and inventory management.

Lisa Anderson2026-07-18T23:02:56-07:00March 7, 2023|Categories: Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning|Tags: Customer service, Demand planning, ERP, Inventory optimization, Inventory reduction, Operational excellence, Performance & Risk, Predictability, S&OP, SIOP, Supply chain planning, Working capital|

Supply Chain Dive: Did the Pandemic Really Kill Just-in-Time? Experts Weigh In
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Supply Chain Dive: Did the Pandemic Really Kill Just-in-Time? Experts Weigh In

In The News, Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning

Supply Chain Dive: Did the Pandemic Really Kill Just-in-Time? Experts Weigh In

Is just-in-time dead? Lisa Anderson shares why the future of inventory management isn't about choosing between just-in-time and just-in-case, but building resilient, flexible supply chain strategies that balance risk, service, inventory investment, and profitability.

Lisa Anderson2026-07-19T11:11:19-07:00November 29, 2022|Categories: In The News, Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning|Tags: Inventory optimization, Predictability, Profitability, Resiliency, Risk Management, Strategic sourcing, Supply chain disruptions, Supply chain planning, Supply chain visibility, Supply continuity, Working capital|

LMA Consulting Sees Supply Chains Reshaping to Balance Inventory
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LMA Consulting Sees Supply Chains Reshaping to Balance Inventory

Supply Chain Planning, Press Releases, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning

LMA Consulting Sees Supply Chains Reshaping to Balance Inventory

Lisa Anderson's press release about the reshaping of supply chains was picked up by CSCMP. Rightsizing and balancing inventories is becoming essential to success especially with increasing interest rates.

Lisa Anderson2026-07-12T09:34:34-07:00November 15, 2022|Categories: Supply Chain Planning, Press Releases, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning|Tags: Capacity planning, Customer service, Demand planning, Inventory optimization, Inventory reduction, Predictability, Production & Materials Planning, Profitability, Supply chain disruptions, Working capital|

Lisa Anderson, Manufacturing & SIOP Expert Sees Supply Chains Reshaping to Balance Inventories
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Lisa Anderson, Manufacturing & SIOP Expert Sees Supply Chains Reshaping to Balance Inventories

Supply Chain Planning, Press Releases, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning

Lisa Anderson, Manufacturing & SIOP Expert Sees Supply Chains Reshaping to Balance Inventories

As supply chains adjust to changing demand and economic volatility, inventory optimization has become a competitive advantage. Learn how SIOP helps manufacturers balance inventory, improve customer service, and protect profitability.

Lisa Anderson2026-07-19T11:17:18-07:00November 11, 2022|Categories: Supply Chain Planning, Press Releases, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning|Tags: Customer service, Demand planning, Industrial Manufacturing, Inventory optimization, Leadership, Profitability, Resiliency, S&OP, SIOP, Supply chain disruptions, Supply chain planning|

Right-size Inventory to Thrive During Inflationary & Recessionary Times
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Right-size Inventory to Thrive During Inflationary & Recessionary Times

Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning

Right-size Inventory to Thrive During Inflationary & Recessionary Times

In a business environment marked by inflation, rising interest rates, and economic uncertainty, inventory decisions have never carried more weight. The challenge is no longer simply managing inventory—it is right-sizing it to align with demand, service expectations, and financial goals.