Qualities of Inventory Manager

An inventory manager is not just a guy lost somewhere between the warehouse racks. Actually, this position requires a unique, “superhero” set of skills, which will streamline a business, if properly applied. Before we dig deeper into those superpower skills, let’s take a look at typical daily activities of an inventory manager.

Superhero Inventory Manager: Daily Routine

1. Recording the Inventory: An inventory manager should keep a complete list of company’s SKUs and their characteristics as well as constantly update this list. For smaller companies, an Excel spreadsheet would be enough, but larger companies should use more sophisticated ERP and inventory management tools. Delivrd provides the convenient and easy-to-use Inventory List functionality.
2. Controlling the Stock: Inventory managers are responsible for tracking and controlling the available inventory items. They should always be aware of the number of new items that come from replenishment orders, and they should know which items are either low in stock or overstock. For these purposes, inventory managers can use specialized software such as Delivrd, with which they can count inventory, register issue/receipt, view transaction history, and more.
3. Working with Suppliers: A superhero inventory manager is responsible not only for finding reliable and cost-effective suppliers, but also for maintaining long-term partnerships with them. In smaller companies, an inventory manager can also process replenishment orders for purchase and delivery of new inventory items. Delivrd makes it possible both to keep a list of suppliers and manage replenishment orders with those suppliers.
4. Coordinating the Warehouse Staff: In larger companies, an inventory manager can lead a team of warehouse employees and control how they receive and record new stock. In other words, they should make sure that each item is on its place and there are no shortages.

This is just a rough list of what a superhero inventory manager can do during the day. But it’s not enough just to do it – it’s important how to do it. Let’s see which skills are essential for a true inventory management superhero.

Superhero Inventory Manager: Superpowers

1. Strong Math Skills: A superhero in the sphere of inventory management should definitely be a math genius. Unfortunately, inventory management software cannot replace human input by 100%, as the stock amount that is available on warehouse shelves should correspond with the amount in the database. And of course the role of an inventory manager requires more in-depth calculations during the inventory planning and forecasting activities.
2. Brilliant Knowledge of Data Analysis and Forecasting Methods: A good inventory manager should be proactive, not reactive. In other words, they should be able to research the current situation with inventory, make forecasts for the future, and always have a backup plan for emergency cases.
3. Multitasking: A job of an inventory manager is quite versatile, from counting and replenishing the inventory to hiring and managing the warehouse staff. Ability to handle all of those tasks and not to go crazy is for sure a superpower!
4. Organizational and Communication Skills: Ability to negotiate with suppliers, make profitable deals, organize supply and delivery – all of this belongs to organizational and communication skills that an inventory manager should possess.
5. Leadership Skills: an inventory manager can also be responsible for coordinating other employees and keeping them motivated, so leadership skills are vital too.
6. Personal Qualities: Reliability, attention to details, ability to concentrate.

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