Introduction
Toi Native Plant Nursery (TNPN) have increased, which has led to problems with the inventory system. It resulted to the need for modernization of inventory process. The internal stakeholders are Max Wheeler and employees, who must find a way to improve quality of checkouts. External stakeholders are customers who want an accessible order system. The purpose of the report is to identify key solutions to improve inventory process.
Procedure
Information was gathered to solve the TNPN case based on an analysis of the underlying facts of the problem. A design was then developed that searched for articles based on keywords: modernization, inventory, and online ordering. Based on the analysis of several sources, a strategy for solving the TNPN problem was developed based on the causes of the problem and the capabilities of the organization.
Findings
TNPN has demonstrated efficiencies over the past two years that have led to the growth. Technologically TNPNs have not evolved, so there has been a problem with inventory systems because of the growth in online demand. Lack of timely preparation for organizing inventory and errors in records have led to a mismatch between actual quantities and available paperwork. TNPN needs a way to upgrade its current inventory system.
Max Wheeler is the primary internal stakeholder as he is responsible for the inventory process. He understands the reasons why the inventory is not successful and is concerned about how to improve efficiency (Vasilev & Milkova, 2022). External stakeholders are customers who concerned that there will not be enough items. If customers cannot get accurate information about available items, TNPN will lose sales. Max Wheeler is looking for ways to modernize the current system.
Inventory problems can stem from a variety of factors. For TNPN in particular, it is due to rapid growth, which has meant that there has not been enough time to thoroughly process inventory data. In addition, information was being entered into the inventory sheet by different free employees rather than by a responsible specialist. The human factor also played a negative role in the calculations.
Conclusion
TNPN can implement software that will accurately record available inventory and provide information on balances. For this system to be successful, staff must be trained on how to use the software (Fabregas, 2023). The staff will be authorized to do this work and will know exactly what to do. This will increase the efficiency of the inventory as the level of accuracy of recording and updating the information will increase.
This solution is promising and will depend on TNPN’s willingness to build or buy the software. In addition, the organization must allocate funds for staff training (Chang, 2021). The accuracy of the software is high, so a responsible employee will be able to minimize potential errors and correct discrepancies manually if necessary. The solution can be successfully integrated into the operation because the company has capital capabilities.
Recommendations
First, TNPN must allocate funds to develop software that fits current needs: counting, matching backlog and online information, transferring data to the online system. If development is not possible, outsource. Second, TNPN should allocate funds to implement a barcode system to make it easier to read the information entered into the software. The barcodes should be put on the inventory and entered into the system.
Third, TNPN should educate staff on entry time management strategies, software procedures and barcode reading schemes. Training to use the software should improve staff skills. Finally, TNPN should test the system and assess how quickly and accurately the information is entered. They should determine whether the system has become more friendly for customers. Some useful sources that prove the effectiveness of such a solution include:
Chang, C. (2021). Best practices of inventory management and visibility. IBM Blog. Web.
Fabregas, K. (2023). Best inventory management software of 2023. Forbes Advisor. Web.
Vasilev, J., & Milkova, T. (2022). Optimisation models for inventory management with limited number of stock items. Logistics, 6(3). Web.