Operations & Supply Chain

Inventory Optimisation and Stock Control

Inventory ties up cash yet stock-outs lose sales and disrupt operations. This course teaches practical inventory optimisation: ABC and XYZ segmentation, reorder points and safety stock, economic order quantity, service level targets, managing slow-moving and obsolete stock, cycle counting and inventory KPIs.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Most organisations hold the wrong stock in the wrong places. You will learn to balance service and cost scientifically.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Inventory calculations in spreadsheets, segmentation exercises, case studies and policy design workshops.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Segment inventory by value and variability
Set reorder points and safety stock
Calculate economic order quantities
Align stock policies with service targets
Reduce slow-moving and obsolete stock
Improve record accuracy with cycle counting

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Inventory and stock controllers
Supply chain planners
Warehouse managers
Procurement staff
Finance professionals

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Inventory segmentation
Safety stock calculation
Policy design
Obsolescence management
Inventory accuracy

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Inventory Fundamentals

09:00–10:08Why hold inventory
10:08–11:00Costs of inventory
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Costs of inventory (continued)
11:45–12:53KPIs
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Segmentation

09:00–10:08ABC analysis
10:08–11:00XYZ variability
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45XYZ variability (continued)
11:45–12:53Policies by segment
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Replenishment

09:00–10:08Reorder points
10:08–11:00Safety stock
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Safety stock (continued)
11:45–12:53EOQ
12:53–14:00Calculation practice

Day 4Excess and Obsolete

09:00–10:08Identification
10:08–11:00Disposal options
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Disposal options (continued)
11:45–12:53Prevention
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Accuracy and Control

09:00–10:08Cycle counting
10:08–11:00Inventory audits
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Inventory audits (continued)
11:45–12:53Continuous improvement
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

All courses

The full course agenda and dates are available above. Use the session links in Dates & venues to choose a session. Registration and quotation forms require JavaScript; you can also contact our learning team directly.