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21 Aug SKU Proliferation and Its Impact on Beverage Operations
In the fast-evolving world of the beverage industry, diversity has become its hallmark. The proliferation of Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) – unique identifiers for different product items – is evidence of this ever-growing diversity. But what does this mean for beverage warehouses? Let’s take a closer look.
What is SKU Proliferation?
SKU proliferation is the phenomenon of adding an array of new products, which escalates the count of SKUs a business handles. One key component of this expansion is the addition of long-tail SKUs. While these specific SKUs might not lead in terms of sales volume, they play a pivotal role in augmenting overall revenue. This increased diversity paves the way for businesses to tap into fresh markets and widen their product range for consumers.
However, there’s a caveat: long-tail SKUs often fall into the category of slow-moving inventory. Unlike their faster-moving counterparts that fly off the shelves, these items linger longer in the warehouse. The more a company indulges in offering such SKUs, the more challenges the task becomes to oversee product slotting and optimize storage areas.
How does SKU Proliferation Affect the Beverage Industry?
As the diversity of beverage offerings continues to expand, warehouses face a myriad of challenges that test their operational adaptability and efficiency.
1. Complex Inventory Management
With more SKUs, inventory management becomes increasingly complex. It’s harder to predict demand for each SKU, making overstocks and stockouts more frequent.
2. Increased Storage Requirements
Every new product needs its space. Warehouses have to contend with varied storage needs, which can make efficient space utilization a challenge.
3. Operational Challenges
Sorting, picking, and moving a higher number of distinct products can slow down processes and increase the risk of errors.
4. Higher Operational Costs
The resources required to manage numerous SKUs, from additional storage solutions to increased labor, can raise operational costs.
5. Long-Tail SKUs
With more SKUs, inventory management becomes increasingly complex. It’s harder to predict demand for each SKU, making overstocks and stockouts more frequent.
Solutions for These Challenges
Navigating the maze of SKU proliferation requires a blend of strategic foresight and practical measures. Here are some proven strategies to ensure warehouses stay ahead of the curve:
1. Customized Storage Solutions
It’s not one-size-fits-all when it comes to warehousing. Implement storage solutions tailored to your specific operation and future growth ambitions. By anticipating future SKU expansion and understanding your current inventory dynamics, you can design a storage system that maximizes space while allowing for flexibility.
2. Utilize Inventory Management Systems
Embracing a WMS is perhaps the most effective solution to combat inventory management challenges that arise from SKU proliferation.
3. Re-Evaluate SKU Performance Regularly
With an ever-growing list of SKUs, it’s essential to monitor product performance. Periodic evaluations can help in phasing out underperforming SKUs and optimizing the range of products.
IN CONCLUSION
While SKU proliferation in the beverage industry underscores the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and foresight in warehousing operations. By prioritizing customized storage solutions tailored to specific operational needs and growth ambitions, businesses can navigate the complexities of increased SKU counts. Embracing advanced Warehouse Management Systems and setting a regular cadence for assessments of SKU peformance can further enhance warehouse efficiency. With these strategies at their disposal, businesses in the beverage industry can adeptly manage their expanding inventory, ensuring they remain responsive to the evolving tastes and preferences of modern consumers.
Further Reading: The Future of the Food and Beverage Warehouse
The food and beverage industry is constantly evolving. Moving forward, technological innovation is set to take over warehousing in this sector. While there is an upfront investment in warehouse automation and technological solutions, supply chains that participate now will gain greater agility to adjust both to current challenges and to the future demands they will face.
Read: The Future of the Food & Beverage WarehousePrepare Your Warehouse For SKU Proliferation With Twinlode Automation
Investing in customized racking systems and automated warehouse solutions provides the tools to address both current and future challenges in the beverage industry supply chain.
By analyzing historical SKU data and material flow while incorporating future growth objectives, Twinlode Automation will design and engineer a storage or material handling solution to fit your business needs. Schedule a call with Twinlode Automation to grow your warehouse potential.