Inventory system

For this Discussion Board, please complete the following:

As a newly hired manager for a computer manufacturing company, you have been asked to lead your team toward the development of a new inventory system.

In the past, the company has been faced with the challenge of having too many chips in its inventory that become outdated before they can be installed. In addition, on several occasions there has not been enough inventory of parts needed for the install, leading several large clients to move to a different manufacturer. The company is considering using either a just-in-time (JIT) or a materials requirement planning (MRP) inventory system to solve this problem.

Review Inventory Management for more information on inventory management. Using what you have learned throughout the course, please answer the following questions:

What inventory system do you feel will be the best fit for this company? Explain your reasoning.
What improvements do you anticipate will come from this change in inventory systems?
What challenges do you feel the company could run into in implementing a new inventory system?

Full Answer Section

What improvements do you anticipate will come from this change in inventory systems?

I anticipate that the following improvements will come from the change to a JIT inventory system:

  • Reduced inventory costs: By minimizing inventory levels, the company can save money on storage, handling, and obsolescence costs.
  • Improved efficiency: JIT systems can help to improve efficiency by reducing the time spent searching for parts and materials.
  • Increased customer satisfaction: By avoiding stockouts, the company can improve customer satisfaction and reduce the risk of losing customers.

What challenges do you feel the company could run into in implementing a new inventory system?

The company could run into the following challenges in implementing a new inventory system:

  • Resistance to change: Employees may be resistant to change, especially if they are used to the old system.
  • Complexity: JIT systems can be complex to implement and manage.
  • Supplier reliability: The company must have reliable suppliers that can deliver parts on time and in the correct quantities.

Despite these challenges, I believe that the benefits of implementing a JIT inventory system outweigh the risks. A JIT system can help the company to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and increase customer satisfaction.

Sample Answer

What inventory system do you feel will be the best fit for this company? Explain your reasoning.

I believe that a just-in-time (JIT) inventory system would be the best fit for this company. JIT systems are designed to minimize inventory levels by ensuring that parts and materials are only ordered when they are needed for production. This can help to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

In the case of the computer manufacturing company, a JIT system could help to address the two main challenges that they have been facing. First, by only ordering parts when they are needed, the company can reduce the risk of having too many chips in inventory that become outdated before they can be installed. Second, by coordinating with suppliers to ensure that parts are delivered on time, the company can avoid stockouts that lead to lost sales.