Varastohoito

Varastohoito, also known as inventory management, is the process of overseeing and controlling the stock of goods and materials within a business. It encompasses all activities from ordering and receiving goods to storing, tracking, and ultimately selling or using them. Effective varastohoito aims to strike a balance between having enough inventory to meet customer demand and avoiding excessive stock that ties up capital and incurs storage costs.

The primary goals of varastohoito include minimizing holding costs, reducing the risk of stockouts, improving order fulfillment rates, and maximizing the efficiency of warehouse operations. Various methods and strategies are employed, such as just-in-time (JIT) inventory, economic order quantity (EOQ), and ABC analysis. JIT aims to receive goods only as they are needed in the production process or for sale, thus reducing storage. EOQ helps determine the optimal quantity of inventory to order to minimize total inventory costs. ABC analysis categorizes inventory items based on their value, allowing businesses to focus more attention on high-value items.

Technology plays a significant role in modern varastohoito, with inventory management software and barcode scanning systems enabling real-time tracking and data analysis. This information is crucial for making informed decisions about purchasing, production, and sales. Poor varastohoito can lead to lost sales due to stockouts, increased costs from overstocking, and reduced customer satisfaction. Conversely, well-managed inventory contributes to a company's profitability and competitive advantage.