Although it appears deceptively easy, calculating the accurate inventory figures requires constantattention from the store employees.

Article inventory is the study of current and historic inventory levels. There are many different types of analyses forinventory, including some that are very sophisticated. For decision support, inventory analysis is typically used in conjunctionwith other analyses, such as the basic article POS analysis. In the sample report (Table 11.3,pages 226 227), I show both sales and receipts with inventory figures (which in this case reveals a habitual inventory flowproblem; see discussion later in this chapter). Inventory is not flowing properly it is not being maintained to match demand.Some inventory figures (including purchase orders) used by retailers are maintained or created through an automated replenishmentprocess for basic inventory (retailers often call that process BARS for basic automatedreplenishment System, or CARS for computer automated replenishment system). For this analysis,there will be no attempt to replace or even simulate this calculation. The data warehouse should utilize the inventory figuresalready available. Although it appears deceptively easy, calculating the accurate inventory figures requires constant attentionfrom the store employees. Operationally, it may take several years to implement anautomated replenishment system with accurate inventory. The discipline necessary to maintain accurate inventoryfigures is ultimately the responsibility of the people in each store and not of a computer. For instance, one of the most obviousreasons for an inventory figure to become inaccurate is shoplifting. (Most thieves are not kind enough to scan the inventory theyhave stolen. If they did...