
Duration
2 weeksWeekly study
1 hourLanguages
English, Italiano, Español, Français, PortuguêsEnglish, Italiano, Español
Advanced Strategies for Inventory Optimisation
Build a strong foundation in inventory forecasting and planning
Efficient inventory control is at the heart of supply chain success. 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.
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 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 evaluate how inventory optimisation connects to broader operational strategy, and 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.
Explore our ExpertTrack: Operational Excellence & Process Optimisation.
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.
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?
What's included?
This is a premium course. These courses are designed for professionals from specific industries looking to learn with a smaller group of like-minded individuals.
- Unlimited access to this course
- Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes
- Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you're eligible
- Download and print your Certificate of Achievement anytime
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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
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