Replenishing
Replenishment refers to the process of moving inventory from one location to another
to ensure stock is available where needed, such as a warehouse, distribution center,
production line, or retail store.
Replenishment usually occurs when:
- A location runs low on stock
- A system automatically detects low levels and triggers a request
- A user manually requests more inventory
- A customer order or production schedule creates demand
Examples of replenishment in logistics include:
- Moving stock within a warehouse—from bulk storage to picking shelves
- Sending inventory from a central warehouse to a regional distribution center
- Delivering raw materials or components to a production line
- Transferring finished goods to a shipping or staging area
The goals of replenishment are to:
- Prevent stockouts and delays
- Avoid overstocking forward areas
- Maintain operational flow
- Minimize wasted motion and rework