preview

Inventory And Transportation : Supply Chain Total Cost Essay

Good Essays

2.2.2.2 Inventory costs
Berman et al (2006) identified inventory and transportation as two key contributors of supply chain total cost. They require keen attention for supply chain efficiency to be realized. Inventory costs include; Capital cost that forms the largest factor of inventory carrying cost. Companies must balance money held inform of inventory and money required for daily operations. Inventory is treated as an asset in the balance sheet hence attracts taxation from most governments. To cover against loss and damages, insurance premiums are paid. When inventory utilization is slower than expected there is a likely hood of obsolesce. This reduces the actual value of that inventory. There is also storage costs incurred in form of rent or lease of the space stocks are held. Inventory also attracts fixed costs that do not change with the volume of inventory kept. These are calculated as warehousing costs such as utilities and wage (Goldsby et al. 2005)

2.2.2.3 Lead time
As competition grows with globalization, organizations are under pressure to cut on inventory investment in supply chains. Different ways are sort to reduce inventory levels without hurting customer service. Reduction of replenishment leads time from suppliers to firms and also lead time’s flexibility. Organizations will hold more safety stock when there is demand uncertainty and lead times that are unreliable and inflexible. This increases their cost of holding stock (Sunil Chopra, 2004).

Get Access