Setting up an Inventory Management System for CPG Brands

November 13, 2023

Companies that sell products, especially those in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, face unique challenges when it comes to inventory management. Unlike service-based businesses, CPG brands are responsible for managing, restocking, and selling mass quantities of inventory. This requires a sophisticated and efficient system to keep operations running smoothly.

Inventory Systems Services and Support

It’s important to conduct regular reviews and discussions related to inventory and finances, ensuring that business owners are always in control of their stock. This approach ensures that business owners know precisely when it’s the right time to fulfill orders, explore new sales channels, and replenish their inventory.

What Is Inventory Management Support?

As a growing business, your data may be spread across different spreadsheets and platforms. You may need help with implementation to management and post go-live support.

When Do I Need It?

Clients benefit from inventory management support in a variety of scenarios, including:

  • Lack of clarity surrounding frequent inventory adjustments.
  • Unclear on which SKUs are causing frequent adjustments.
  • Recurring adjustments of a material amount are common.
  • Expansion of inventory locations.
  • Planning to grow at a high rate in the near or mid-future.
  • Need for more detailed reports such as profitability by SKU and when to reorder.
  • Incorporating Freight In, Duties, Customs, etc. into landed costs.
  • Frequent variances in the purchase price of raw materials.
  • Confusion surrounding inventory bills being prepaid or received.
  • Need access to real-time revenue numbers, not just end-of-month figures.
  • Mixed production models; some from raw goods, others are purchased turn-key.
  • Changing from an in-house to co-pack model or from co-pack to turn-key.

How Much Does It Cost?

The implementation of Cin7 Core (fka DEAR) typically takes about 90 days and averages about 20 to 40 hours, with an hourly rate of $185 per hour. The typical cost for implementation totals between $3,500 and $7,000.

What Do I Get?

When you choose Accountfully’s inventory management service, you get:

  1. A Dedicated Team: Clients receive the support of a dedicated Inventory Department with experience in supporting Cin7 across over 50 client companies in various capacities. This includes implementation, consulting, technical support, and ongoing data maintenance.
  2. Systems Implementation: The team of inventory experts handles the implementation of Cin7 using the details housed within the Inventory Workbook. They ensure that everything is set up correctly from the beginning.
  3. Management and Support: Accountfully provides management and support beyond the initial 30-day post go-live period, offering advisory services, basic support calls, and regular maintenance to keep inventory data up to date and synchronized across sales channels.

The Phases of Implementation

  • Phase One – Initial Discovery and the Inventory Workbook: This phase involves collecting all data to include in the proprietary Inventory Workbook, recording SKUs, pricing, raw materials, inventory locations, freight, and more.
  • Phase Two – Implementations and Go-Live:The implementation of Cin7 takes between 30 and 60 days, during which the team inputs all data, connects to the client’s accounting system, and sets up the baseline for managing and scaling the product-based enterprise.
  • Phase Three – Post Go-Live and Support Services: This phase includes weekly check-ins and checklist reviews for the first 30 days after go-live. Clients can opt for maintenance and support service options beyond this period.

How to Get Started?

Accountfully can help CPG brands with inventory system implementation. The process begins with a comprehensive understanding of their business and determining the service level that aligns with their requirements. New clients can initiate the process by providing basic business details and scheduling a call through the contact page on Accountfully’s website. Following this, the Accountfully team will engage in a discussion to determine the most suitable plan of action for their business.

If you’re a CPG brand facing the complex challenges of inventory management, partnering with Accountfully can be the key to streamlining your operations, ensuring efficiency, and preparing for scalable growth. With a dedicated team, proven implementation processes, and ongoing support, they are the trusted partner you need for success in the product-based business world.

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