Start with a real count
Count sellable stock. Leave damaged units out. Enter incoming units only when the order is confirmed; the tool assumes they arrive within the lead time you enter.
A calmer weekly stock check
Turn stock counts, recent sales and supplier lead times into a practical reorder list.
Use a sensible sales average
Divide units sold by the days in the period. A promotion or seasonal spike can distort the average. Change daily sales to explore a busy-week scenario.
Allow for delivery and your next review
The target is daily sales × (lead time + buffer days + review interval). The tool subtracts on-hand and incoming stock, then rounds any shortage up to whole supplier packs.
Check the supplier before ordering
A stockout warning uses on-hand stock alone. Incoming stock may still arrive too late. Confirm delivery dates, minimum orders, freight and tax with the supplier; the estimated spend includes unit costs only.
A planning tool makes assumptions visible. Check the source figures before acting.