Introduction
Efficient inventory control and effective warehouse management are critical to the success of any organisation involved in manufacturing, retail, distribution, or logistics. Poor inventory practices can lead to overstocking, stock-outs, high carrying costs, and reduced customer satisfaction, while ineffective warehouse operations can result in delays, increased operational expenses, and safety issues.
This 5-day intensive course by Kincaid Development Center equips participants with practical skills, proven techniques, and modern technologies to optimise inventory levels, streamline warehouse processes, reduce operational costs, and improve overall supply chain efficiency. It blends theoretical insights with practical exercises, case studies, and real-world applications to ensure participants can apply the learning immediately in their work environment.
Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Participation.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the principles and importance of inventory control.
- Apply best practices in stock management, ordering, and replenishment.
- Design efficient warehouse layouts and workflows.
- Implement inventory tracking systems and warehouse technologies.
- Minimise losses from theft, damage, and obsolescence.
- Apply safety, compliance, and quality control standards in warehouse operations.
- Integrate inventory control with overall supply chain management.
Course Duration
5 Days
Who should Attend
- Warehouse Managers and Supervisors
- Inventory Controllers and Stock Clerks
- Supply Chain and Logistics Professionals
- Procurement Officers
- Operations Managers
- Business Owners involved in product-based businesses
Course Outline
Day 1: Fundamentals of Inventory Control
- Introduction to inventory management and its role in the supply chain.
- Types of inventory (raw materials, WIP, finished goods, MRO).
- Inventory classification systems (ABC analysis, VED analysis, FSN analysis).
- Inventory costs: carrying costs, ordering costs, and stock-out costs.
- Inventory turnover and its impact on business performance.
- Stock control methods (perpetual vs. periodic systems).
- Determining optimal stock levels (minimum, maximum, reorder point).
- Understanding safety stock and buffer stock.
- Stock valuation methods (FIFO, LIFO, Weighted Average).
- Impact of poor inventory management on organisational performance.
Day 2: Inventory Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment
- Demand forecasting methods (qualitative and quantitative).
- Seasonal demand and inventory adjustment.
- Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) and Just-in-Time (JIT) concepts.
- Lead time analysis and its effect on inventory control.
- Reorder point calculation and replenishment cycles.
- Supplier relationships and vendor-managed inventory (VMI).
- Stock rotation practices (FIFO, LIFO, FEFO).
- Inventory reduction strategies without compromising service levels.
- Managing obsolete, damaged, and slow-moving stock.
- Case studies on successful inventory planning.
Day 3: Warehouse Management Essentials
- Role of warehouses in the supply chain.
- Types of warehouses (distribution centers, bonded warehouses, cold storage, automated warehouses).
- Warehouse design and layout optimisation.
- Workflow planning for efficient material movement.
- Storage systems and material handling equipment.
- Receiving and put-away procedures.
- Picking, packing, and dispatch operations.
- Cross-docking and its applications.
- Warehouse productivity measurement (KPIs and metrics).
- Balancing efficiency with safety in warehouse operations.
Day 4: Technology and Automation in Inventory & Warehouse Management
- Introduction to Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
- Inventory tracking technologies (barcoding, QR codes, RFID).
- Automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS).
- Internet of Things (IoT) applications in warehouse management.
- Real-time data analytics for inventory control.
- Integrating WMS with ERP systems.
- Mobile devices and handheld scanners for stock management.
- Using AI and predictive analytics in inventory forecasting.
- Robotics and automation trends in warehouses.
- Cybersecurity in inventory and warehouse systems.
Day 5: Risk Management, Compliance, and Performance Improvement
- Identifying risks in inventory and warehouse operations.
- Theft prevention, shrinkage control, and loss reduction strategies.
- Safety regulations and compliance standards.
- Hazardous materials storage and handling guidelines.
- Quality control procedures for inbound and outbound goods.
- Sustainability practices in warehouse management.
- Continuous improvement in warehouse operations (Lean, Six Sigma).
- Developing a warehouse and inventory policy manual.
- Building a skilled and motivated warehouse team.
Final group exercise: Designing an optimised warehouse and inventory control system for a case organisation.
General Notes
- The instructor led trainings are delivered using a blended learning approach and comprises of presentations, guided sessions of practical exercise, web-based tutorials and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience, working as professional and trainers in these fields.
- The participants should be reasonably proficient in English as all facilitation and course materials will be offered in English.
- Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a certificate.
- The training will be held at Kincaid Training Centre. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments and lunch.
- All participants will additionally cater for their, travel expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
- Accommodation and airport pickup are arranged upon request. For reservations contact the Training coordinator at Email: training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org or Tel: +254 724592901
- This training can also be customized to suit the needs of your institution upon request. You can have it delivered in our Kincaid Training Centre or at a convenient location.
For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254 724592901 or send mail to training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org.
Payments are due upon registration. Payment should be sent to our Bank account before commencement of training and proof of payment sent to training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org.