This policy describes how RetailFlow currently replenishes store stock. It is the baseline process the Inventory Optimisation Initiative is intended to modernise.
1. Reorder points (manual, store-driven)
Each store manager sets and maintains reorder points for the lines in their store, based on judgement and local knowledge. When on-hand stock for a SKU falls to or below its reorder point, the manager raises a replenishment request in StockTrak. There is no central, automated trigger.
- Reorder points are reviewed by managers "as needed", in practice, irregularly.
- No systematic adjustment for seasonality, promotions, or local trends beyond the manager's memory.
- Estimated 6 hours per week per store manager spent on reordering admin.
2. Seasonal buys (central)
The buying team places seasonal bulk orders twice yearly (Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer) against category forecasts built largely in spreadsheets. These commitments are made months ahead and are difficult to correct once placed, which drives much of our end-of-season markdown.
3. Inter-store transfers
Where one store is short and another is long on the same SKU, managers may arrange a transfer. This is ad hoc, relies on managers spotting the imbalance, and is under-used.
| Step | Owner | Cadence |
|---|---|---|
| Set / review reorder points | Store manager | Ad hoc |
| Raise replenishment request | Store manager | As triggered |
| Approve & fulfil from DC | Warehouse / supply | 2–3× weekly |
| Seasonal bulk buy | Buying team | Twice yearly |
Known weaknesses
What the initiative changes
- Replaces manual, memory-based reorder points with demand-driven, automatically calculated ones.
- Generates daily replenishment suggestions ranked by stockout risk.
- Surfaces transfer opportunities across the network automatically.
- Frees managers from routine reordering to focus on customers and store standards.
Sarah Thompson, Chief Operating Officer