A simple working rhythm for connecting stock, replenishment and the people responsible.
Agree on the numbers
Start with sellable units, open purchase orders and recent daily demand. Distinguish available stock from reserved, damaged or in-transit units. Write down the period used to calculate demand so everyone is reviewing the same assumptions.
Make lead time visible
Supplier preparation, transport and receiving all affect when inventory becomes available. Use a realistic lead time rather than the shipping estimate alone. Add a clearly stated safety buffer when reviewing uncertain supply or demand.
Give every exception an owner
A low-stock alert is not a completed action. Record who will check the supplier, the decision deadline and the next update. Keep the purchase decision separate from the estimate: seasonality, minimum order quantities and cash availability may change the plan.
Review the handoff
At the next check-in, compare the expected arrival with the latest confirmation. Update assumptions instead of copying last week’s numbers. Use the operational handoff checklist in Seller Playbooks to record the owner, next action and evidence needed to close the task.
