| Vendor Managed Inventory |
| Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) is a means of optimizing Supply Chain performance in which the supplier is responsible for maintaining the suppliers inventory levels at customer (distributor or retailer) site. The supplier has access to the suppliers inventory data and is responsible for generating purchase orders based on the movement of goods and reaching of the re-order level. |
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| Benefits of VMI |
| The Benefits of VMI are numerous for both Supplier & Retailer. Here is a partial Listing: |
| Dual Benefits |
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Data entry errors are reduced and processing speed improved due to system-to-system communication. |
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Both parties are interested in giving better service to the end customer. Having the correct item in stock when the end customer needs it, benefits all parties involved. |
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A true partnership is formed between the Supplier and the Retailer. They work closer together and strengthen their ties. |
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Stabilize the timing of Purchase Orders - PO's are now generated on a predefined basis. |
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| Retailer’s benefits: |
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The goal is to have an improvement in Fill Rates from the supplier and to the end customer. |
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Decrease in stock outs and a decrease in inventory levels. |
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Planning and ordering cost will decrease due to the responsibility being shifted to the Supplier. |
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The overall service level is improved by having the right product at the right time. |
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The supplier is more focused than ever in providing great service. |
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| Supplier’s benefits: |
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Visibility to the Retailers Point of Sale data makes forecasting easier. |
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Promotions can be more easily incorporated into the inventory plan. |
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A reduction in Retailer ordering errors (which in the past would probably lead to a return) |
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Visibility to Stock Levels helps to identify priorities (replenishing for stock or a stockout?). |
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Before VMI, a supplier has no visibility to the quantity and the products that are ordered. With VMI, the supplier can see the potential need for an item before the item is ordered. |
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