Apparel Inventory Management: 5 Effective Steps for the Garment Industry

Key takeaways:

• Align stock with real demand.

• Define zones and use clear labeling practices.

• Utilize metrics and cyclical checks.

Untracked stock can tie up capital and clutter workspaces. However, effective apparel inventory management supports lean operations by matching orders to actual demand and cutting excess spend.

No matter the industry, procurement officers and distributors need a strategic process. Transparent workflows and speedy restocking are critical.

Ready to refine workflows? This guide provides clear instructions for inventory management in the garment industry to bring order, clarity, and savings.

1. Assess Current Inventory & Forecast Demand

A thorough stock count uncovers hidden shortages and reveals overstocked items. With issuance records, hospitals, hotels, apparel wholesalers, and laundries can monitor usage patterns and occasional surges. 

Next, analyze contract volumes and seasonal peaks to set precise order points that match real demand. Require staff to follow thresholds to prevent shortages and excess stock.

Discipline in apparel inventory management supports accurate purchasing decisions and cost control. The extra focus on waste reduction frees capital for other operational priorities.

2. Categorize and Prioritize Inventory

Segmentation of garments into functional families like scrubs, linens, and jackets significantly boosts retrieval speed across all storage areas. Use a consistent SKU format that encodes type and size. 

It will minimize mishandling and encourage regular audit checks. Next, top-moving items earn priority flags, with buffer levels reserved on adjacent, easily accessible shelves to prevent gaps.

Clear identification supports streamlined replenishment and accurate daily counts. Such systematic grouping and identification lie at the core of inventory management in garment industry operations.

3. Implement a Tracking System

Timely visibility into garment movements prevents unexpected shortages and cluttered backrooms. Procurement teams balance low-tech bin-card logs alongside ERP or WMS platforms to choose what fits the facility scale and budget. 

Define who records receipts, issues, and returns to maintain clear accountability. Next, set low-stock alerts tied to reorder thresholds so replenishment kicks in before counts fall. 

With a structured approach to apparel inventory management, you can drive consistent accuracy and avoid costly downtime, frustration, and significant lost labor.

4. Perform Regular Audits & Set KPIs

Planned count cycles uncover mismatches before they escalate. Monthly or quarterly reviews verify on-hand figures against system records. Start tracking turnover rate, fill-rate percentage, and shrinkage trends.

Also, dashboard reports bring metrics into focus. Use them to reveal slow-moving items and bottlenecks that demand adjustments. Rely on the real numbers provided. Not hunches.

With real-time accuracy, procurement teams can cut waste and streamline workflows effectively. Always remember, oversight efforts cannot be sporadic. Stay consistent. They will pave the way for solid inventory management in the garment industry.

5. Choose High-Quality Solutions for Optimal Storage

Lastly, never skimp on handling materials. A neat staging rack cuts search time and reveals shortages at a glance. Consider upgrading to wire shelves paired with tubular-steel garment racks to support every size and shape without bend or bow. 

With mobile linen carts and bulk trucks, staff can handle heavy loads without product damage and ease material transfers. At R&B Wire Products, all components include a ‘Satisfaction Guarantee’.

We are committed to providing high-quality products that last. Integrating robust handling gear into apparel inventory management helps operations move swiftly while preventing wear and tear.

Upgrade Your Facility with R&B Wire®

Efficient handling and accurate counts bring clear visibility over garment flow, reducing surplus and stockouts. Prioritized groupings, clear labels, and smart reorder thresholds cut waste and speed replenishment for effective inventory management in the garment industry.

As the leader in material handling products, we firmly believe periodic checks paired with garment racks, carts, and shelving boost productivity and protect stock.

Use this guide to promote a reliable apparel inventory management strategy that lowers costs over time. Contact R&B Wire® today to learn how our diverse lineup can upgrade your facility.