Question

The Hawkins Supply company is currently faced with an inventory rotation problem. This difficulty stems from the fact that some supplies must be used prior to a stated expiration date. Upon receipt, a new shipment of these perishable items must be stacked beneath the boxes that are currently in inventory. A substantial amount of time is consumed in restacking the items according to their expiration dates.

Answer 1

Here's the completed question.

Question: The company would like to reduce the double and sometimes triple handling of items. How can this goal be achieved? Are there alternative solutions which might also be effective?

Answer:

1. Using the Just in Time Management inventory technique.

2. Using automated inventory processing systems, changing physical layout of warehouse.

Explanation:

1. The Just in time method would allow Hawkins Supply company to quickly process its inventory by adopting a principle of processing smaller batches with reduced factory space. Doing so would minimise the worries about expired inventory since the inventory isn't excessive.

2. There are automated softwares such as the KANBAN system that would automated the process, requiring lesser use receipts to track inventories. Another alternative is to restructure the warehouse by making provision for racks that could be numbered serially to easily find desired inventory.