Integration of demand forecasts in ABC-XYZ analysis: Practical investigation at an industrial company

Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

Authors

  • Bernd Scholz-Reiter
  • Jens Heger
  • Christian Meinecke
  • Johann Bergmann

Purpose: Item classification based on ABC-XYZ analysis is of high importance for strategic supply and inventory control. It is common to perform the analysis with past consumption data. In this context, the purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that an integration of demand forecasts can improve the performance of item classification, in particular the performance of ABC-XYZ analysis. Design/methodology/approach: For the study, real data of an industrial enterprise in the mechanical engineering sector (focal company) were analyzed and evaluated. Findings: The study shows that a comprehensive data analysis of the focal company can recommend a specific implementation of the ABC-XYZ classification. In contrast to the classic method of making the ABC-XYZ analysis based on consumption data only, the approach developed in this paper offers considerable advantages. These are quantifiable in respect to an assumed optimal reference classification. Originality/value: The evaluation of the results is very promising and applicable to other branches besides mechanical engineering.

Original languageEnglish
JournalInternational Journal of Productivity and Performance Management
Volume61
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)445-451
Number of pages7
ISSN1741-0401
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 04.2012
Externally publishedYes

    Research areas

  • ABC-XYZ analysis, Demand forecasting, Inventory control, Item classification, Mathematical analysis, Purchasing