Views: 100 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-09-29 Origin: Site
Peak season sales bring opportunities but also risks including inventory shortages, production pressure, and customer loss. For short-shelf-life or frozen foods like vegetable spring rolls, scientific inventory forecasting is crucial to ensure supply, improve customer satisfaction, and maximize profits. This article provides a systematic inventory management methodology.
01 Establish Data-Driven Forecasting Models
Inventory management should never rely on guesswork but must use historical data and scientific methods.
Analyze Historical Sales Data
Review same-period data from past 2-3 years: Analyze weekly/daily sales during previous peak seasons (e.g., holidays like Spring Festival, Christmas), noting annual growth trends
Identify sales patterns: Find the “start date” when sales begin to rise, the “peak day(s)” with highest sales, and the “end date” when sales decline
Calculate year-on-year growth rate: Estimate this year‘s expected natural growth rate based on previous data
Set Safety Stock
Safety stock is buffer inventory to address unexpected demand or supply chain delays.
Calculation formula: Safety Stock = (Maximum Daily Sales × Maximum Lead Time) - (Average Daily Sales × Average Lead Time)
Apply Forecasting Formula
Estimated Inventory Required = (Forecasted Sales during the Period) + Safety Stock - Current Inventory
02 Consider External Factors Affecting Demand
Data is the foundation, but the market is dynamic. These variables must be considered to adjust forecasts.
Holidays and Promotional Activities
Specific promotional plans (e.g., “buy one get one free,” discounts) significantly boost sales
Promotional increments must be included in forecasts, typically increasing sales by 30%-50%
Market Trends and Competitive Environment
Monitor current food trends, particularly plant-based and healthy light meals
Track competitors’ promotional activities and market movements
Weather and Seasonal Factors
Inclement weather may affect logistics and cause delivery delays
Unusual weather conditions can also impact consumer purchasing behavior
03 Supply Chain Collaboration Management
The most accurate forecasts require reliable supply chain execution.
Advance Communication of Demand Forecasts
Share sales forecasts with suppliers and production teams 4-6 weeks in advance
Ensure adequate supply of raw materials (spring roll wrappers, specific vegetables)
Confirm Capacity and Lead Times
Confirm maximum daily production capacity and cycle time with manufacturers
Confirm transportation times and delivery frequency with logistics providers
Develop Contingency Plans
Prepare backup supplier lists
Establish emergency procurement channels
Reserve 5%-10% capacity buffer
04 Dynamic Monitoring and Adjustment
Inventory forecasting requires continuous fine-tuning throughout the peak season.
Implement High-Frequency Inventory Checks
Conduct daily inventory checks during peak season
Compare actual vs. forecasted sales and make timely adjustments
Establish Early Warning System
Set inventory alert levels (e.g., 3-day inventory supply)
Set up automatic reminder systems for timely replenishment
Maintain Team Communication
Hold daily production-sales coordination meetings
Timely sharing of sales data and inventory status
05 Recommended Practical Tools
Inventory Management Software
Recommended ERP systems like Kingdee, Yonyou
Or choose specialized inventory management software
Excel Forecasting Templates
Establish sales forecasting models
Set up automatic calculation formulas
Create visual dashboards
Summary: Five-Step Scientific Inventory Management
Data Collection: Organize historical sales data
Demand Forecasting: Use formulas to calculate base demand
Set Buffer: Establish safety stock based on supply chain situation
Advance Communication: Synchronize forecast plans with suppliers
Dynamic Monitoring: Daily data tracking and flexible adjustment
Using this methodology, you can transform vegetable spring roll inventory management from empirical decisions to scientific management, allowing you to navigate peak season with ease, avoiding both shortage losses and inventory overstock.