In the vast landscape of e-commerce, navigating through the complex maze of inventory management is akin to traversing a challenging expedition. One of the significant milestones on this journey is understanding and effectively managing the Work in Process Inventory, often abbreviated as “WIP”. This concept, while not as familiar as its counterparts – raw materials or finished goods, is equally crucial for e-commerce businesses, particularly those that manufacture their own products.
From fashion retailers customising apparel based on online orders to digital artisans creating bespoke pieces, the WIP forms an integral part of their inventory. It represents those items which have entered the production process but are not yet finished. In simpler terms, they are neither raw materials nor ready-for-sale items. Moreover, the significance of WIP inventory extends beyond mere tracking of products; it serves as a crucial parameter in performance evaluation, cost management and efficient resource allocation.
Furthermore, keeping a firm grasp on WIP inventory can also influence an e-commerce firm’s scalability – a point that is especially vital for small to medium-sized businesses striving for growth in competitive markets like the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
The Nitty-Gritty of Work in Process Inventory
To delve deeper, let us begin by discussing the formula to compute WIP.
Simply put, it is the cost of raw materials plus the cost of direct labour and manufacturing overheads for those items which are in the middle of the production process. Sounds simple, right? However, each component within this formula has its own dynamics and challenges, making the calculation of WIP inventory a complex yet rewarding task.
For instance, consider an Australian brand venturing into the European market with a line of personalised accessories. The WIP inventory would include raw materials (such as metal and gems), direct labour (as in, the craftspeople designing the jewellery), and overheads related to the production process (like electricity, depreciation of machinery, etc.). As a result, accurate calculation and control over these factors are imperative to maximise profits and enhance customer satisfaction.
Hence, how does WIP Inventory influence business operations, and why is it important for an e-commerce enterprise?
Let’s take an example of a UK drinks brand. If the company has a high value of WIP inventory, it might indicate inefficiencies in the production process, tying up capital that could be used elsewhere. On the other hand, a low WIP inventory could signal smooth operations, or it could mean there is not enough inventory to meet demand, thereby leading to potential stockouts.
Connecting the Dots with Bezos.ai
In an industry as dynamic and volatile as e-commerce, effective management of WIP inventory could prove to be a game-changer. This is where Bezos.ai’s fulfilment services can add value.
Bezos handles all storage, picking, packing, despatch and delivery elements for e-commerce businesses. Their product-led fulfilment services offer clients complete real-time visibility of all orders through a single, intuitive, and easy-to-use portal. Consequently, this helps businesses to streamline their operations, free up resources and focus on their core capabilities – including efficient WIP management.
The Bottom Line
While it may seem like a herculean task to keep track of WIP alongside the demands of managing an e-commerce business, it need not be the case. Through effective collaborations with the likes of Bezos.ai and the implementation of a robust inventory management strategy, firms can leverage WIP inventory to their advantage, leading to improved operations, enhanced customer satisfaction, and, ultimately, a healthier bottom line.
Therefore, if you are looking to alleviate your fulfilment headaches and start saving now, feel free to reach out for a free quote or speak to an expert. Bezos.ai is ready to assist in your journey towards e-commerce success.
