3800 need help with inventory control...

[zeez gtp]

Well, since I started my new position, I have to keep stock for 200+ employees. We have about a 4 page list of the supplies we carry from, toners, pen, highlighters, labels, folders...etc. When people need something, I have to record it on paper. My boss wants me to eventually order only 2 times a month. The problem is, sometimes, people go through print cartridges super fast, and then not need them for a couple months, it's hard to keep a steady flow. I am just wondering if any of you have to keep inventory and what styles/methods you use. Thanks.

Zack

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[Glasuan]

I used to keep inventory for a large corporate office. I made sure certain essentials were always kept on hand. Like 2-3 of each printer cartridge, and simply order more when I used even 1. Other things are cheap enough to keep many on hand. That is the best way. Ordering on a per need basis is too much work.

 

[zeez gtp]

the toner cartridges come in big boxes and i really have limited space to work with. i already started on moving things around to get more room.

 

[dole21]

It'd be a process...but take and put the inventory into a microsoft excel program...


easier to do counts...and you can always have it available. Plus you can group you're items in different ways to organize it a way you think you'll like better...

I use excel alot, I just find it simpler for my needs...

 

[Dream]

I just got the job of keeping track of Inventory for the Marketing Department at my job....it's a pain in the a$$...nothing is where it should be and everything's all disorganized. Anyway, like Dole said, use Excel and put everything in there. You can keep a running total of what goes out when and it makes it so much easier to track and order. You can have multiple pages, sections, formulas etc to keep you up to date on everything.

 

[Aircal]

How long does it take to replace used items? How many do you typically use during that period? That amount would be your safety stock..ie: reorder point.
Supplies like that are tough to set up to order only twice a month. Can you see how many you used last year as a referance point?

 

[horist]

I'm not sure of any programs out there... but a simple way... take a month or two and keep track of what comes in and what goes out via an excel spreadsheet... from that you can determine trends (though trends generally require more input, and that short of time will miss some not heavily used items) ... then you'll have a baselin efor what you use in a month so you know what you need to stock

Could even design a database, and keep track of not only what but by who... then track who office supply abusers are and have management request a reason as to why they are using more office supplies than everyone else ... (either by amount of items, or total dollar amount ... items such as printers would relate to a department instead of person ... etc...)

Or... you could have everyone go to a paperless office (though depends on the equipment... IE laptops or projectors that are available) ... I don't think I've had to get office supplies from work in at least 2 years... other than printer paper every so often .. pens last forever, notepad is easier than a sheet of paper ... etc...

 

[staceyyearsich]

My work does ours on an excel spreadsheet,

 

[imported_Theautoguy]

Excel is a good idea. You may also benefit by starting a dialogue with an office supply company like Boise, Staples or Office Max. You can utilize their availability for quick shipping to reduce your supply inventory. Further, you may be able to negotiate freight and discount terms as well. Make them work for you, streamline the process, free up more of your time to accept more responsability and ultimately a promotion.