Effective inventory management is at the heart of every high-performing supply chain. In this Lunch and Learn session, we will explore the fundamentals and practical strategies that help organizations balance service, cost, and operational efficiency.

Participants will gain a clear understanding of what inventory is and why it exists, along with the different functions and classifications of inventory across operations. We will examine common challenges organizations face in managing inventory—from excess and obsolescence to shortages and inaccurate records—and uncover the true costs of carrying inventory, including storage, capital, risk, and service impacts.

This session will also cover when and how much to order or reorder, the physics behind effective storage and retrieval, and why inventory record accuracy is essential to operational excellence. Most importantly, attendees will see how inventory management decisions influence the entire supply chain—from procurement to production to customer satisfaction.

Whether you are new to supply chain or looking to sharpen your expertise, this session will provide practical insights you can immediately apply within your organization.

SPEAKER

Gary Kerslake CSCP

Customer-focused, manufacturing-savvy professional with over 40 years in line, staff, and consulting experience.

As a consultant, Gary has worked with several of our nation’s leading corporations and government agencies. Prior to becoming a supply chain consultant, he was both a Materials Manager and Operations Manager.

With his valuable hands-on manufacturing expertise, he has given his clients practical solutions to their lean or supply chain process improvement activities.

He has been presented the prestigious “Award of Excellence” from the U.S. Army Materiel Command for his leadership with their Logistics Modernization Program.

Gary was recently named “Instructor of the Year” and granted a “Lifetime Achievement” award from the Wisconsin Chapter of the Association of Supply Chain Management.