Dive into the complete episode list for Secret Life of Inventory. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Pub. Date
Title
Duration
26 Sep 2023
What is Inventory Management? (Learn the Basics & Techniques)
00:31:08
Are you a business owner in need of better inventory management? Well, we can help! In this episode, we're here to teach you the fundamentals of inventory management and common techniques used to effectively manage stock. From cutting costs to improving productivity, stay tuned to learn the best practices and how you can improve your workflow today!
0:00 - Intro 1:07 - Who are we? 2:14 - What is inventory management? 3:46 - Why is inventory management important? 6:10 - Different types of inventory techniques 6:36 - ABC analysis 7:50 - Batch tracking 8:40 - Bulk shipment 9:02 - Consignment 11:33 - Cross-docking 12:40 - Demand forecasting 13:39 - Dropshipping 15:22 - Economic order quantity 16:10 - FIFO (first in, first out) 17:26 - LIFO (last in, first out) 17:44 - Just in time 19:53 - Lean manufacturing/lean construction 21:36 - Material requirements planning (MRP) 22:11 - Minimum order quantity 22:44 - Reorder points 24:09 - Safety stock 25:17 - Periodic vs. perpetual inventory management 26:01 - Cycle counts 27:26 - Perpetual inventory management 28:36 - Wrapping up 30:01 - Outro
Try inFlow to manage your inventory and make sure you never run out of stock: https://www.inflowinventory.com/
17 Nov 2023
Mastering Retail Inventory Management (Why did F21, Kmart, and Sears go Bankrupt?)
00:21:17
In episode two, we share the fundamentals of mastering retail inventory management. Discover proven best practices and real-world case studies like why did Forever 21 go bankrupt? What happened to Kmart and Sears? And how does Walmart stay as one of the top retail giants?
Get ready to be educated and entertained with insights on inventory management. Subscribe to stay tuned for more!
0:00 – Teaser 0:10 – Intro 0:57 – What is Retail Inventory Management? 3:25 – Types of Retail Inventory 6:39 - What are the Benefits of Effective Retail Inventory Management? 10:31 - Best Practices for Business Owners 12:48 - Real-World Case Studies 12:57 - Forever 21: The Rise & Downfall 14:21 - Walmart vs. K-Mart: Price War in 1990s 16:30 - Why Sears 18:09 - Walmart RFIDs: Radio Frequency Identification 18:55 - Uniqlo RFID Tags and Check-out System 19:49 - Decathalon RFID Check-out System 20:03 - Amazon Go RFIDs 20:35 - Outro
Try inFlow to manage your inventory and make sure you never run out of stock: https://www.inflowinventory.com/
17 Jan 2024
How to Create Your Own Barcode System (Everything You Need to Know)
00:23:26
Join us in this insightful episode as we dive deep into the world of barcoding and discover how you can create your own barcode system. Whether you're a small business owner looking to streamline inventory management or an enthusiast eager to learn more about the technology behind barcodes, this episode has something for everyone.
0:00 Teaser 0:13 Intro 1:24 What are barcodes? 2:40 How do barcodes work? 4:30 How do you create barcodes? 6:32 What are the pros and cons of creating your own barcodes? 9:59 The different types of barcode symbology 13:53 How much does it cost to start a barcode system? 17:42 What hardware do you need for barcode scanning and printing? 21:52 What should you consider before starting a barcode system? 22:53 Outro
Wholesaler vs Distributor: What Are Their Roles and Differences?
00:17:54
The terms "wholesaler" and "distributor" are often confused and used interchangeably in the supply chain. Wondering about the real differences are between the two? In today's Secret Life of Inventory episode, we'll explore the fundamentals of a supply chain, the key differences between wholesalers vs. distributors, and practical tips on how you can find the right distributor. Comment below if you have any topics you'd like us to cover next, and be sure to subscribe and hit the bell for notifications to stay tuned for more!
0:00 Teaser 0:13 Intro 0:56 What is a supply chain? 2:24 Why do people do wholesale? 5:26 How are distributors different than wholesalers? 8:18 How to find the right distributor 11:11 The challenges of wholesale distribution 17:01 Outro
Try inFlow to manage your inventory and make sure you never run out of stock: https://www.inflowinventory.com/
Listen to our podcast on other platforms: https://secretlifeofinventory.buzzsprout.com/
About Secret Life of Inventory: Welcome to the Secret Life of Inventory – a show where we delve deep into the unseen world of inventory management, revealing the hidden mysteries that help small businesses (like you) optimize their workflow and succeed!
05 Apr 2024
The Importance of Standardization in Supply Chain Logistics (ft. GS1 US)
00:24:10
In this episode, we have a special guest, the Director of GS1 US, Jonathan Gregory! Join us as we explore the intricate world of supply chain logistics, discussing the importance of standardization, the future of barcodes/RFIDs, and advice for new businesses looking to adhere to industry standards.
Whether you're a seasoned logistics professional or simply interested in the inner workings of the supply chain, this episode promises valuable insights that can transform the way you perceive inventory management.
Be sure to subscribe to stay tuned for more!
0:00 Teaser 0:04 Intro 1:30 Who is GS1? 2:14 The importance of standardization in logistics/inventory management 3:40 Can you tell us about the GS1 forum? 6:01 Can you tell us about Sunrise 2027? 9:30 How have RFIDs impacted the logistics industry? 12:31 What emerging technologies can we expect to hear about in the future? 14:14 How has the logistics and inventory management community adopted AI? 17:08 How can businesses start implementing standard practices? 18:35 How does GS1 promote standardization? 20:17 What are the benefits of being GS1 compliant? 22:25 Do you have any advice for businesses looking to adhere to industry-standards? 23:10 Outro
Try inFlow to manage your inventory and make sure you never run out of stock: https://www.inflowinventory.com/
Do you need a GS1 registered barcode? Check out the inFlow GTIN Barcode Shop: https://inflowinventory.com/gtin-barcodes
Listen to our podcast on other platforms: https://secretlifeofinventory.buzzsprout.com/
About Secret Life of Inventory: Welcome to the Secret Life of Inventory – a show where we delve deep into the unseen world of inventory management, revealing the hidden mysteries that help small businesses (like you) optimize their workflow and succeed!
21 May 2024
What is Consignment and How Does it Work?
00:22:28
Let's break down the fascinating world of consignment, including: the basics of consignment, how agreements work between sellers and consignors, and the benefits and drawbacks of using consignment for buying and selling.
Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to sell your products, a buyer seeking unique finds, or just curious about the process, this episode has something for everyone. Get ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get inspired to try consignment yourself!
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful episodes. Hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest content!
0:00 - Teaser 0:10 - Intro 0:41 - What is consignment? 1:24 - What do people usually sell on consignment? 2:34 - What percentage do consignment shops take? 3:12 - What is a real-world example of consignment? 5:09 - What are the advantages of consignment for consignors (the suppliers)? 7:02 - What are the advantages of consignment for consignees (the retailers)? 8:14 - What are the disadvantages of consignment for consignors (the suppliers)? 12:44 - What are the disadvantages of consignment for consignees (the retailers)? 14:04 - What are some tips on mitigating consignment pitfalls? 17:04 - What are some emerging trends in the consignment industry? 20:41 - Key takeaways for consignment 21:55 - Outro
19 Jul 2024
Career Advice in Supply Chain & Demand Forecasting Best Practices (ft. MVC Logistics)
00:44:27
Discover valuable career advice for aspiring supply chain professionals and explore best practices for demand forecasting! From industry expert and founder of MVC Logistics Academy, Professor Maria Rodriguez, who was also named one of the top Women in Supply Chain by Supply & Demand Chain Executive Magazine! She explains the importance of demand forecasting in inventory management and recommends tools and techniques to predict future demand accurately.
Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your supply chain career and master demand forecasting!
0:00 - Teaser 0:11 - Intro 7:01 - 10 things to consider before working in supply chain management / logistics 17:09 - What is demand forecasting? 25:40 - Demand forecasting best practices 37:52 - Is AI being implemented into automation? 39:20 - Key takeaways to improve your supply chain career 43:26 - Outro
🎧 Listen to our Secret Life of Inventory podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ynkKYhfivEWn6IRkA113D?si=2f45b350e474404b
From Startup to Success: The Power of Community (ft. SnaptureThis)
00:39:35
Join us as we sit down with Monica - the inspiring owner of SnaptureThis, a thriving gift shop known for its unique paper goods and community collaborations. She shares her journey of starting a small business from scratch, while navigating the challenges of selling her products online and managing multiple retail stores. We also dive into the backstory of her podcast, Sip It, where she explores the world of small businesses and the cafe scene in Toronto. Plus, she opens up about the balancing act of taking on a new full-time job while continuing to grow her business.
Don't miss this insightful conversation—tune in to gain valuable tips and inspiration for your own entrepreneurial journey!
0:00 - Teaser 0:11 - Intro 1:14 - Monica's BackStory of SnaptureThis 1:50 - What were the biggest challenges of starting a small business? 3:18 - How do you find the balance with selling retail and online? 4:06 - How do you manage your inventory? 6:18 - How can inFlow Inventory help? 7:20 - Do you use barcodes for inventory tracking? 8:30 - Do you have a warehouse for storing inventory? 9:20 - How do you fulfill all your orders? 10:08 - How do you find your suppliers and manufacturers? 12:29 - Do you use the same manufacturers for everything? 13:03 - Do you design your own products? 13:23 - Working with local illustrators and cafes #supportlocal 15:59 - Asking Balzac's to be in SnaptureThis' cafe print 18:30 - What sparked the inspiration behind launching your podcast? 20:00 - Who were your most memorable interviews? 21:55 - What were the main lessons you learned from your conversations? 22:42 - How were you featured on BlogTO? 24:44 - Are there any other popup collabs you do aside from SnaptureThis x Gouter? 27:02 - Did you always plan for your character/personality to be your own brand? 28:49 - Do you ever struggle with privacy with how much to share online? 29:23 - Cafe Monica: transforming Monica's apartment to a cafe 31:28 - Being recognized 33:10 - Do new cafes reach out to you? 34:01 - How do you want to keep your life separate? 35:14 - What is your dream? 36:37 - How do you feel about starting a 9-5 job soon? 37:32 - What are some things you needed to put in place with the transition? 38:08 - Letting go of control 38:38 - Outro
🎧 Listen to our Secret Life of Inventory podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ynkKYhfivEWn6IRkA113D?si=2f45b350e474404b
Are you thinking about starting your own HVAC business or taking your current one to the next level? In this episode, we dive deep into the strategies and steps you need to know to build a thriving HVAC company. From understanding the essentials of starting an HVAC business to how to effectively manage inventory and scale, this podcast covers it all.
Stay tuned for more episodes on entrepreneurship, business growth, and industry insights!
0:00 - Teaser 0:16 - Intro 1:08 - What is HVAC Inventory Management? 1:50 - What are examples of poor inventory management? How does that impact business operations and customer satisfaction? 5:38 - What are the best practices for effectively managing HVAC inventory? 12:52 - HVAC industry growth 14:21 - How do you start your own HVAC business? 19:50 - What are your top recommended solutions for starting an HVAC business? 23:00 - Outro
✅ Try inFlow's 14-day free trial to manage your inventory and make sure you never run out of stock: https://www.inflowinventory.com/
Holiday Inventory Prep to Help Avoid Stockouts and Overstocking
00:24:52
The holiday season is just around the corner, and for small business owners, it’s the most important time of the year! In this episode, we’ll guide you through essential strategies to prepare your inventory for the holiday rush and ensure your business is ready to thrive. Learn how to forecast demand, organize your stock, work with suppliers, and avoid common inventory pitfalls.
Whether you’re an e-commerce shop or brick-and-mortar store, these tips will help you stay ahead of the curve and make this holiday season your best yet! 💡🎄
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more small business tips and leave a comment with your thoughts or questions below!
0:00 - Teaser 0:12 - Intro 1:47 - How do you find the perfect inventory balance? 2:19 - How do you analyze data and and forecast demand? 6:50 - Why you should invest in inventory management software 7:34 - What are the main benefits of having inventory software? 9:56 - How inFlow can help manage your inventory 10:41 - What should businesses do to prepare for the upcoming year? 11:29 - What are your tips for working with suppliers? 14:21 - How do you prepare for the unexpected? 17:27 - How do you navigate returns and restocking? 22:24 - Key takeaways to prepare for the holiday season 23:40 - Outro
✅ Try inFlow's 14-day free trial to manage your inventory and make sure you never run out of stock: https://www.inflowinventory.com/
From Home Business to a Growing Warehouse (ft. XXL Scrunchie & CO)
00:49:02
Join us as we chat with Tina Nguyen, the founder of XXL Scrunchie & Co. What began as a handmade Christmas gift quickly grew into a thriving business—one that even caught the attention of Dragon’s Den investors!
In this episode, Tina shares her journey from a mural artist to running XXL Scrunchie in a warehouse, the challenges she’s faced, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. We also dive into how she’s built a strong community around her brand and her thoughts on US tariffs and their impact on small businesses.
Tune in for an insightful conversation on growth, resilience, and entrepreneurship. Subscribe for more stories from business owners and industry leaders!
Follow and support Tina! • xxlandco.com • instagram.com/xxl.scrunchie • tiktok.com/@xxl.scrunchie • facebook.com/xxl.scrunchie • ca.pinterest.com/xxlscrunchie/
0:00 - Teaser 0:17 - Intro 1:32 - What was life like before XXL Scrunchie & CO? 5:39 - How did you get into making scrunchies in the first place? 6:13 - At what point did you realize making scrunchies could become a business? 7:05 - What were those early days like—handmaking each piece, setting up the shop, and getting your first customers? 8:16 - What were some of the key milestones that motivated you to keep on going? 8:59 - How was it like working with family? 11:01 - What was it like to move into your first warehouse? 13:38 - How many people are on your team now? 13:45 - What was that transition like for you to expand your team? 15:06 - What are other challenges that you faced while managing a team? 15:41 - How do you manage your inventory and shipping? 17:27 - How do you manage your demand forecasting with trends? 18:11 - How did you know which products to expand? 19:18 - What was the process like to expand your product line? 19:43 - How did your inventory management shift? 20:22 - Do you fulfill your orders the same way? 21:13 - Was it for you to implement barcodes? 21:30 - Did you create your own barcodes? 22:05 - What software or tools do you recommend? 23:25 - How did you start sourcing your suppliers? 24:26 - What qualities do you look for in your fabrics? 25:01 - When did you decide to sell wholesale? 26:12 - Tina's negative wholesale experience 27:25 - How do you fulfill your wholesale orders? 28:04 - How do you approach content creation? 29:03 - How do you balance content and business? 29:52 - Do you find certain types of content work better than others? 30:20 - Can you share tips on how to build a strong community? 31:26 - Do you feel nervous sharing? 33:00 - Dragon's Den Experience 39:45 - Celebrating 5 years of XXL! What were the biggest lessons you learned? 41:15 - Where do you see the future of XXL? 42:07 - Any advice you would give to your younger self? 43:06 - US Tariffs: What were your initial thoughts on how it'll impact your business? 44:23 - How do you think you'll approach the shift? 46:04 - Would you raise your prices?
🎧 Listen to our Secret Life of Inventory podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ynkKYhfivEWn6IRkA113D?si=2f45b350e474404b
If you’re new to manufacturing, inventory management can feel overwhelming—but we’re here to break it down! We’ll start with the basics of a Bill of Materials (BOM)—a detailed list of all the parts, components, and raw materials needed to make a product. We’ll also cover the role of barcoding systems in tracking inventory and how they can reduce errors and save time. Finally, we’ll explore how MRP (Material Requirements Planning) software ties it all together, helping you stay organized, track progress, and make smarter decisions.
Whether you’re running a small workshop or scaling up production, this episode will help you get started on the right foot. Join us as we simplify the essentials of inventory management for manufacturing!
🎙️ Apply to be a podcast guest in Toronto! (flights and accommodations covered) https://forms.gle/tRNxcnr4AvsgdhGbA
🔗 Free Downloads:
→ Bill of Materials Template: What It Is and How to Get Started! https://www.inflowinventory.com/blog/bill-of-materials-template-how-to-get-started/
→ Print Barcodes for Free: Download Our Code 39 Barcode Font https://www.inflowinventory.com/blog/free-barcode-font-code-39-3-of-9
📝 Helpful Articles:
→ Bill of Materials (BOM): A Quick Guide for Manufacturers https://www.inflowinventory.com/blog/what-is-a-bill-of-materials-bom/
→ Barcode System for Manufacturing: What You Need to Succeed https://www.inflowinventory.com/blog/barcodes-for-manufacturing/
→ How MRP Software Saves Manufacturers Time and Money https://www.inflowinventory.com/blog/material-requirements-planning-mrp-software/
→ How to create a bill of materials (Windows) in inFlow https://www.inflowinventory.com/support/cloud/how-to-create-a-bill-of-materials-for-products/
0:00 - Teaser 0:15 - Intro 1:19 - What is a BOM and why is it important? 2:06 - What kind of BOMS are there? 3:45 - How do you know which BOM to use? 4:48 - What are the advantages of using a BOM? 8:31 - How do you create BOMs? 9:15 - Barcoding for manufacturers 11:04 - What are the benefits of barcoding in manufacturing? 14:40 - How should manufacturers barcode their workflow? 16:22 - How to create your own barcode system 18:34 - How do manufacturers plan and manage all their materials? 19:04 - Manufacturing inventory software vs. MRP (material requirements planning) 21:40 - How MRPs help manufacturers with production planning 24:05 - Outro
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