If there’s one thing every car dealer should know, it is effective automobile inventory management. It is the key to success in the automotive industry. By managing your automobile inventory the right way, you can streamline and optimize demand planning, cost saving, storing, profit maximization, and customer service. That said, here are the best car inventory management practices that will help you scale your business.
Implement the Just-In-Time (JIT) Inventory System
One big mistake many car dealers make is ordering parts that are not needed yet. While it might seem like a great idea to have them ready “just in case,” it actually increases inventory cost by giving you more to store and manage.
Instead, it is best to implement the JIT method. This system is achieved by ordering parts when they are needed, just in time. By implementing the JIT Inventory system, you get to save space and prevent these parts from reaching obsolescence. With this system in place, you don’t have to hold on to stock for a prolonged period or worry about the cost of management, storage, or loss.
To successfully implement the JIT Inventory System, production schedules must align with supplier delivery schedules. This way, the ordered parts will be delivered to the production line at the right time.
Keep Records Accurate and Up-to-Date
Accurate data helps business owners make smart and purposeful decisions in all industries, and the automotive industry is no exception. By keeping your records accurate, you get better insights into your business and even better understanding of operational patterns, such as seasonal demand fluctuations.
In the long run, accurate record-keeping can help you save costs and avoid overstocking and all the storage and maintenance costs associated with this mistake. While you strive to keep your data accurate, don’t forget to keep them updated, too. Frequent updating of inventory data allows you to identify errors and make the necessary adjustments, thus eliminating inefficiencies.
Build a Strong Relationship with Your Supplier
Many times, developing a strong relationship with your supplier is all you need to manage your inventory better. Suppliers tend to offer the best deals, give exclusive offers, and collaborate to optimize inventory levels if you build a relationship with them. You also get more reliable delivery schedules.
So, ensure that you maintain close contact with your supplier, as you stand to benefit greatly from this. To do so, keep them updated on your demand forecasts and production schedules. Constant communication is the key to building strong supplier relationships.
Utilize Inventory Management Software
Inventory management software simplifies certain operations in the automotive industry. Features like barcode tracking, real-time inventory tracking, and lot and serial number management help keep track of your stocks and alert you when it’s time to reorder.
Some software also allows integration with other business applications, like accounting software, thereby boosting your facility’s efficiency. With the right inventory management software and its proper implementation, you can automate repetitive tasks and quickly identify which products are in stock, damaged, or need to be replaced.
Conclusion
Implementing these four practices can improve your car inventory management system. However, if you don’t see good results, you may be doing something wrong. Seek professional help from a specialized consultant.
