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Classification for forecasting and stock control: a case study

Author

Listed:
  • J E Boylan

    (Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College)

  • A A Syntetos

    (University of Salford)

  • G C Karakostas

    (Eurometal SA)

Abstract

Different stock keeping units (SKUs) are associated with different underlying demand structures, which in turn require different methods for forecasting and stock control. Consequently, there is a need to categorize SKUs and apply the most appropriate methods in each category. The way this task is performed has significant implications in terms of stock and customer satisfaction. Therefore, categorization rules constitute a vital element of intelligent inventory management systems. Very little work has been conducted in this area and, from the limited research to date, it is not clear how managers should classify demand patterns for forecasting and inventory management. A previous research project was concerned with the development of a theoretically coherent demand categorization scheme for forecasting only. In this paper, the stock control implications of such an approach are assessed by experimentation on an inventory system developed by a UK-based software manufacturer. The experimental database consists of the individual demand histories of almost 16 000 SKUs. The empirical results from this study demonstrate considerable scope for improving real-world systems.

Suggested Citation

  • J E Boylan & A A Syntetos & G C Karakostas, 2008. "Classification for forecasting and stock control: a case study," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 59(4), pages 473-481, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:jorsoc:v:59:y:2008:i:4:d:10.1057_palgrave.jors.2602312
    DOI: 10.1057/palgrave.jors.2602312
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. A A Syntetos & J E Boylan & J D Croston, 2005. "On the categorization of demand patterns," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 56(5), pages 495-503, May.
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    4. A H C Eaves & B G Kingsman, 2004. "Forecasting for the ordering and stock-holding of spare parts," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 55(4), pages 431-437, April.
    5. Everette S. Gardner, 1990. "Evaluating Forecast Performance in an Inventory Control System," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 36(4), pages 490-499, April.
    6. John Boylan & Aris Syntetos, 2006. "Accuracy and Accuracy Implication Metrics for Intermittent Demand," Foresight: The International Journal of Applied Forecasting, International Institute of Forecasters, issue 4, pages 39-42, June.
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