Inventory Velocity

  Inventory velocity is the speed at which inventory passes through or is cycled in a given period for each item.  Inventory velocity’s underlying objective is to improve the turnover of inventory. 

How is it measured?

  Inventory Turns = Cost of Goods Sold / Average Inventory on Hand.

How can you Improve Inventory Velocity?

  Thinking of inventory velocity in terms of inputs and outputs (applying six sigma) can be very helpful when trying to improve inventory velocity.  If our measurement is Inventory turns (Y) then we need to be able to identify the inputs (X's) and the process or functions being applied.  If the inventory turnover is not meeting a standard or performance level that we want, we then know that our inputs (X's) need to change in a manner that improves our output, or at least moves it in the correct direction.  Some ways to improve inventory velocity are:
1.     Reduce cycle times
2.     Reduce lead time associated with vendors
3.     Look to balance the flow of value streams
4.     Reduce buying sizes
5.     Remove material that is obsolete
6.     Use cycle counting and establish ABC classifications  

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