Lagerkontroll

Lagerkontroll is a term used in logistics and supply chain management to describe the planning, execution, and oversight of stock levels within a warehouse or distribution network. In Swedish and Norwegian usage, the term denotes inventory control or stock control, focusing on accuracy, availability, and cost efficiency. The goal is to ensure the right items are available in the right quantities at the right time while minimizing holding costs and shrinkage.

Key concepts include stock accuracy, cycle counting, safety stock, reorder points, and lead-time management. Methods such as ABC analysis classify items by value and turnover to prioritize control efforts. Regular physical counts and reconciliation with system records help prevent discrepancies. Demand forecasting and replenishment planning align purchasing with consumption, reducing stockouts and excess inventory.

Operational processes cover receiving, put-away, storing, picking, packing, shipping, and returns handling. Effective layout, labeling, and slotting improve picking efficiency. Replenishment from reserve storage to picking locations helps maintain service levels. In some operations, cross-docking reduces handling and storage by directly routing incoming goods to shipping.

Technology supports lagerkontroll through ERP systems, warehouse management systems (WMS), barcode or RFID scanning, and increasingly automated storage and retrieval systems and IoT sensors. Data analytics and dashboards enable real-time visibility, exception management, and optimization of inventory levels across multiple sites.

Common metrics include inventory turnover, service level (fill rate), stock-out rate, days of supply, carrying cost of inventory, and cycle counting accuracy. Audits and regular governance ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations. Lagerkontroll is applied across manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce, with variations in emphasis on raw materials, finished goods, or consumer orders.