reservnivå

Reservnivå, or reserve level, is a planning parameter that defines how much of a resource should be kept in reserve to absorb uncertainty in demand or supply. It serves as a buffer to maintain service levels and prevent stockouts, cash shortfalls, or capacity gaps when actual usage differs from forecasts or when disruptions occur.

The concept is widely used in several areas. In inventory management, reservnivå is closely related to safety stock and helps ensure products remain available during fluctuations in demand or supplier delays. In finance and corporate liquidity planning, it refers to reserves of cash or liquid assets kept to meet unexpected withdrawals or financial stress. In energy, manufacturing, and public utilities, reserve levels may describe spare capacity, fuel buffers, or contingency reserves to handle peak loads or outages.

Determining an appropriate reservnivå involves balancing service level targets against costs. Key factors include variability in demand and lead time, the cost of holding or tying up capital, the risk of obsolescence or spoilage, storage capacity, and the consequences of a stockout or interruption. Common approaches include estimating safety stock from desired service levels and observed variability, and adding it to the expected demand during lead time to establish an reorder point or target reserve.

Benefits of maintaining an adequate reservnivå include reduced risk of stockouts, smoother operations, and greater resilience to shocks. Drawbacks can include higher carrying costs, potential inventory obsolescence, and reduced liquidity or capital available for other uses.

See also: safety stock, buffer stock, contingency planning, liquidity reserves.