Demand-Driven Inventory Optimization and Replenishment: Creating a More Efficient Supply Chain

CHAPTER 9

A Consultant's View of Inventory Optimization

Let me introduce you to a very close friend of mine.

As a principal product manager, I deal with the development of SAS inventory optimization. Over the years I have traveled, extensively, to interview customers, competitors, potential clients, past clients, and industry experts to make sure the product I represent is the best possible solution it can be. When it comes to consulting work with customers and overall project management centered on inventory optimization, the first person I go to is Anders Richter of the SAS Denmark office. Anders has been working with a key group of Nordic supply chain experts employed by the SAS Institute as a principal analytical supply chain consultant.

Anders has been involved in many inventory optimization and forecasting installations along with numerous proof of value (POV) opportunities. When it came time to put together a view of the ins and outs of consulting work centered on inventory optimization, I figured I could try and put together a list of things to focus on or I could go to the expert. I thought you'd like to hear the information from an expert instead of me trying to pass myself off as a well-versed consultant. Anders was gracious enough to sit down with me and conduct a long-term interview where I posed the questions most executives ask when they are thinking about some kind of inventory optimization project. The following are Anders's thoughts on how to insure a successful ...