A recent global survey by IBM showed that 41% of Brazilian companies use some form of artificial intelligence in their daily lives. When we talk about inventory, it is used to establish the ideal amount of goods, controlling what and when to store and unlocking cash flow. After all, meeting what the market asks and keeping only the essentials in warehouses is a complex task, especially considering the variables of each business.
Challenges faced
Modern consumers demand fast deliveries and customized products, requiring large retailers to have hundreds of SKUs in a highly volatile market. An organized warehouse requires the identification and classification of the most important items (ABC analysis), as well as understanding how to position the quantities and parameters of each item along the links of the product supply chainin this context, if the demand forecast is wrong or if the analytical tools are inadequate, the process becomes even more difficult. Many companies still use simple spreadsheets and can not handle large volume of data or algorithms needed for optimization, facing challenges such as seasonality, obsolescence, logistics and production.
AI as an ally & Benefits
1. Stock optimization
Among the main advantages of using AI is the optimization of inventory in order to improve the organization of warehouses and operate with lower inventory levels, freeing up space and reducing operational expenses related to storage and product management. Thus, internal processes become more agile and less prone to errors, which translates into savings in time and resources.
2. More accurate forecasts
AI provides accurate forecasts, with structured data often in real time, as it analyzes large volumes of sales information and trends, as well as discussions on social networks. This reduces the risk of excess or lack of goods, improves the replenishment process and enables rapid adaptability to market changes, thereby increasing customer satisfaction and ensuring that items are available when and where they are needed. In addition, an effective inventory organization provides detailed and up-to-date data, improving decision making. In this way, companies can make strategic adjustments at the right time, making their operations more efficient and better meeting the demands of their audience.
3. Unexpected demand and seasonality
Responding quickly and accurately to issues such as shortages and unexpected demand also becomes easier with the help of AI. It generates information that considers seasonality and favors the adjustment of inventory to meet sales peaks, which are driven by business dates at specific times of the year. This allows companies to prepare in advance, ensuring that products are available when customers need them most.
In summary, by using AI for inventory optimization, companies obtain a relevant competitive advantage.This favors them to operate with leaner warehouses, predict demand before large business dates, reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction and increase profitability.In today's dynamic business environment, adopting innovative solutions is indispensable to stand out against the competition.