Inventory and Integration
How to set useful low-stock alerts across sales channels
Use sales velocity, lead time and channel delay to set product-specific reorder points.
· Digital Department
One threshold does not fit all
An alert at five units treats fast and slow products alike. Estimate sales velocity, replenishment lead time and a reasonable uncertainty buffer for each SKU. Seasonal products need extra care.
Define the action after an alert
Who receives the alert, places the replenishment order and limits channel availability? The purpose is to trigger a decision that reduces overselling, not just display a number.
- SKU-level sales and lead time
- Open orders and returns
- Delay between channel updates
- Owner and due time
Review thresholds regularly
Promotions, suppliers and demand change. Track both stockouts and the cost of holding excess inventory to adjust the threshold.