• Starweaver Logo
New

Advanced Strategies for Inventory Optimisation

Master cutting-edge tools and techniques to improve your inventory control and boost operational efficiency.

Composite image of a warehouse with workers in safety vests inspecting inventory, overlaid with a circular headshot of a professional man in a suit. Represents supply chain, logistics, and operations management training.

Advanced Strategies for Inventory Optimisation

  • 2 weeks

  • 1 hour per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Open level

Find out more about how to join this course

Build a strong foundation in inventory forecasting and planning

Efficient inventory control is at the heart of supply chain success. On this two-week course, you’ll explore the essential parameters of inventory management and how they support business continuity, cost reduction, and service excellence.

You’ll learn how to analyse historical data, apply forecasting techniques, and design replenishment strategies using tools like Material Requirements Planning (MRP).

Through real-world examples and case-based learning, you’ll strengthen your ability to balance supply and demand effectively.

Apply optimisation models and technologies in real scenarios

Practise calculating safety stock, reorder points, and economic order quantities (EOQ) while accounting for risk and lead time variability. You’ll explore how to categorise inventory, reduce excess, and improve turnover.

You’ll also assess the benefits of Just-in-Time (JIT) strategies and learn how AI and machine learning are shaping real-time inventory decisions in modern logistics and retail settings.

Apply AI tools and inventory models in real-world scenarios

Finally, you’ll explore key inventory metrics and dashboards to monitor performance, spot inefficiencies, and support continuous improvement. You’ll design inventory KPIs, build tracking frameworks, and assess optimisation outcomes across multiple channels.

With your new skills, you’ll be prepared to make smarter inventory decisions that support broader business success.

Lead transformation in supply chain operations

You’ll bring all your knowledge together to evaluate how inventory optimisation connects to broader operational strategy. Explore how effective inventory control influences procurement, finance, and customer service.

With future-focused insights, you’ll be able to lead change, reduce risk, and drive cross-functional improvement.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Foundations of Inventory Control and Planning

    • Lesson 1: Introduction to Inventory Management

      Explore the strategic role of inventory management, its benefits, and the common pitfalls organizations face. Gain an overview of inventory systems and modern technologies that support effective inventory control.

    • Lesson 2: Fundamental Parameters of Inventory Management

      Understand the key components that govern inventory processes, including supply and demand, lead times, lot sizing, safety stock, and reorder points. Learn how these parameters influence inventory efficiency.

    • Lesson 3: Inventory Forecasting, Demand and Requirement Planning

      Examine forecasting methods and data analysis techniques used to predict demand. Learn how Material Requirements Planning (MRP) supports accurate inventory planning and aligns supply with organizational needs.

  • Week 2

    Optimization Strategies and Performance Improvement

    • Lesson 4: Inventory Optimization, Control Strategies and Techniques

      Analyze cost drivers and classification methods such as ABC and XYZ. Explore optimization models including EOQ and JIT, and strategies to minimize excess inventory while maintaining service levels.

    • Lesson 5: Inventory Tracking and Performance Metrics

      Discover key inventory KPIs and tracking practices. Learn how to use technology for modeling and optimization, and draw insights from lean manufacturing principles to improve overall inventory performance.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Assess the significance of effective inventory management and its impact on organizational performance.
  • Get familiar with the fundamental parameters of inventory management and optimization.
  • Apply various inventory forecasting and demand planning techniques used in inventory management.
  • Develop effective inventory optimization strategies to improve inventory turnover, reduce excess stock, and enhance customer satisfaction.
  • Measure inventory performance using key metrics and use data-driven insights to make informed inventory decisions.

Who is the course for?

This course is for professionals in operations, supply chain, logistics, or manufacturing who want to advance their inventory skills. It also suits business analysts and consultants seeking strategic tools for inventory optimisation.

Who will you learn with?

Who developed the course?

Starweaver

Starweaver is a next generation platform that engages your workforce as no other. Combining business and technical skills, Starweaver provides real-time skill building that is in line with your business objectives and strategies, and in your associates day to day tasks and jobs.

Ways to learn

Subscribe & save

Buy this course

Start learning today

Choose the best way to learn for you!

$349.99 for one year

Automatically renews

$54/one-off payment

Free

Develop skills to further your careerFulfill your current learning needTry this course - with limits
Access to this courseticktick

Limited to 2 weeks

Access to 1,000+ coursestickcrosscross
Learn at your own paceticktickcross
Discuss your learning in commentstickticktick
Certificate when you're eligibleDigital onlyPrinted and digitalcross
Continue & Upgrade

Cancel for free anytime

Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Buy this course

$54/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Subscribe & save

$349.99 for one year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Start learning today

Free

Try this course - with limits

  • Limited to 2 weeks

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

Do you know someone who'd love this course? Tell them about it...