Inventory Glossary
150+ supply chain terms with clear definitions and industry context.
- A-Z organized reference
- Industry-standard definitions
- Cross-referenced terms
Supply Chain & Inventory Management Resource Library
Explore a growing collection of supply chain and inventory management resources, including KPI formulas, performance metrics, inventory analysis methods (ABC/XYZ), and a comprehensive glossary of key terms. This resource hub is designed for operations managers, supply chain analysts, and logistics professionals seeking practical tools, frameworks, and insights to improve performance, reduce costs, and optimize inventory strategy.
Core Supply Chain Resources
Essential knowledge and tools for supply chain professionals at every level.
KPIs & Metrics
50+ inventory metrics with formulas, benchmarks, and interpretation guides.
- Detailed calculation formulas
- Industry benchmarks
- Performance tracking tips
Analysis Methods
ABC and XYZ classification techniques with case studies and strategies.
- ABC & XYZ methodologies
- Step-by-step guides
- Real-world examples
Reorder Point Guide
Step-by-step guide to calculating when to reorder, with worked examples and safety stock integration.
- ROP formula explained
- Worked numerical examples
- Statistical safety stock
Safety Stock Guide
Three methods to calculate safety stock: basic, statistical (Z-score), and min-max, with service level tables.
- Basic, Z-score & min-max methods
- Z-score reference table
- ABC-segmented strategy
EOQ Guide
Economic Order Quantity formula, assumptions, worked example, and extensions including POQ and quantity discounts.
- EOQ formula & total cost
- Assumptions & limitations
- EOQ extensions (POQ, discounts)
Demand Forecasting Methods
Simple and weighted moving averages, exponential smoothing, trend analysis, seasonality (Holt-Winters), and forecast accuracy metrics (MAE, MAPE, RMSE).
- MMS, MMP, LES, Double Holt
- Seasonality & Holt-Winters
- MAE, MAPE, RMSE benchmarks
Stockout & Overstock Analysis
Identify stockout and overstock patterns, diagnose root causes, and apply targeted corrective actions using KPIs and ABC-XYZ segmentation.
- Stockout & overstock KPIs
- Root cause framework
- Corrective action guide
Lead Time Analysis Guide
Measure lead time components and variability from PO data, compare supplier performance, and calculate safety stock with combined demand and lead time variability.
- Lead time components & measurement
- sLT calculation & supplier comparison
- Combined SS formula
S&OP Guide
Monthly S&OP process, demand-supply balancing, executive dashboard KPIs, and common failure points.
- 5-step monthly S&OP cycle
- Demand-supply balancing levers
- Executive dashboard example
Integrated Business Planning (IBP)
How IBP extends S&OP with financial alignment, portfolio strategy, and executive KPIs over an 18–36 month horizon.
- IBP vs S&OP comparison
- Financial plan alignment
- Executive KPI framework
Supply Chain Network Design
Warehouse location models, make vs buy TCO analysis, and transportation cost modeling for network optimization.
- Center of gravity & MILP models
- Make vs buy TCO framework
- Transportation cost modeling
Push vs Pull Systems
Understand push and pull supply chain logic, how to position the decoupling point, and hybrid push-pull design with real-world examples.
- 5 decoupling point positions (MTS to ETO)
- Hybrid push-pull architectures
- Postponement strategy explained
Lean vs Agile vs Leagile
Compare lean, agile, and leagile supply chain strategies using Fisher's model and learn when to apply each approach.
- Fisher model: functional vs innovative products
- Full lean vs agile comparison
- Building a leagile supply chain
Supply Chain Careers Guide
Explore roles, skills, and career paths across operations, consulting, ERP implementation, and supply chain transformation.
- 4 career tracks with role progression
- Key skills & certifications
- Salary benchmarks by level
Supply Chain Software Guide
ERP, APS, WMS and TMS explained: what each system does, how they differ, and when to invest in each platform.
- ERP vs APS vs WMS vs TMS comparison
- Integration architecture explained
- Selection criteria & decision triggers
Forecast vs Demand Planning
Understand the key distinctions between statistical forecasting and the demand planning process, with KPIs, demand sensing, and common mistakes.
- Forecasting vs demand planning differences
- Demand planning process (6 steps)
- FVA, MAPE, bias & demand sensing
Lean vs Six Sigma
Compare Lean and Six Sigma methodologies: origins, core tools, DMAIC vs PDCA, Lean Six Sigma integration, and when to apply each in supply chain.
- Full comparison table & core tools
- DMAIC vs PDCA decision guide
- Lean Six Sigma & certification levels
Bullwhip Effect Explained
Why small demand fluctuations amplify into massive order swings upstream, with real examples from P&G, Cisco, and COVID-19.
- 4 root causes with formulas
- Bullwhip ratio measurement
- Mitigation strategies (VMI, CPFR, EDLP)
Cross Docking Explained
How cross docking eliminates warehouse storage, the 3 types, infrastructure requirements, and real-world examples from Walmart and Amazon.
- Pre-, post- & opportunistic cross docking
- vs traditional warehousing comparison
- IT & infrastructure requirements
Incoterms 2020 Explained
All 11 ICC trade rules explained: risk and cost transfer points, FOB vs CIF vs FCA, the 4 changes from 2010, and how to choose the right term.
- All 11 rules with comparison table
- What changed from Incoterms 2010
- Decision framework & common mistakes
Learning Path
A structured approach to mastering supply chain management:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these resources free?
Yes, all resources and calculators are completely free with no registration required.
Who is this for?
Supply chain professionals, inventory managers, students, and business owners.
Can I use these for education?
Yes! Teachers and trainers are welcome to use our resources. Please credit Supply Chain Math.
How often are updates made?
Resources are regularly updated with new content and industry best practices.
Ready to Get Started?
Access free tools and guides to optimize your supply chain operations.