Unlike a standard stock audit, which looks only at quantities on hand, a deep dive explores the root causes behind those numbers. For manufacturers, it’s about understanding how materials move through production, how accurately demand is forecasted, and whether the ERP system is being used to its full potential.
At WM Synergy, we use ERP insights from Infor SyteLine and Acumatica to help clients uncover where their operations can become leaner, faster, and more profitable.
The Purpose of an Inventory Deep Dive
The goal of a deep dive analysis is to turn raw inventory data into strategic intelligence. Manufacturers often pursue this analysis to:
- Improve cash flow by reducing excess stock and aligning inventory with true demand.
- Eliminate waste caused by overproduction or obsolete materials.
- Enhance production planning through more accurate lead times and reorder points.
- Increase supply chain visibility and vendor accountability.
- Connect financial and operational data for clearer decision-making.
When integrated into ERP systems like Infor or Acumatica, these insights allow real-time adjustments that directly improve efficiency and margins.
What’s Included in an Inventory Deep Dive Analysis
A complete deep dive typically includes several key areas of focus:
1. Data Validation and Accuracy
Before any analysis begins, data integrity must be confirmed. WM Synergy works with clients to ensure ERP records match physical inventory counts and transactions are accurately logged. Reliable data is the foundation for confident decisions.
2. Inventory Turnover and Aging
Analyzing turnover ratios helps identify fast- and slow-moving items. Through SyteLine and Acumatica dashboards, managers can quickly see which materials consume cash but generate little revenue and which drive consistent throughput.
3. Demand Forecasting and Planning Accuracy
Forecast errors often lead to costly stockouts or overproduction. ERP-based forecasting tools can reveal how actual demand compares to plan and where adjustments to forecasting models or lead times may be needed.
4. Supplier and Lead Time Analysis
The deep dive evaluates how supplier performance affects inventory efficiency. Variability in lead times or late deliveries directly impacts stock levels and production reliability. Integrating this data within your ERP system highlights where supplier improvements or safety stock adjustments are required.
5. Cost and Margin Insight
Inventory should support profitability, not obscure it. By connecting item-level cost data and production performance in Infor or Acumatica, manufacturers gain a clearer picture of which products drive margin and which drain resources.
The Role of ERP in Inventory Deep Dive Analysis
ERP platforms like Infor SyteLine and Acumatica Cloud ERP play a crucial role in executing and sustaining inventory deep dive insights.
- Infor SyteLine enables real-time visibility into material flow, production orders, and scheduling, helping identify inefficiencies across the supply chain.
- Acumatica Cloud ERP offers mobile access, customizable dashboards, and analytics that connect finance and operations for faster decision-making.
At WM Synergy, we integrate these capabilities to transform fragmented data into actionable intelligence. The deep dive process becomes not just a one-time assessment but an ongoing discipline embedded in your ERP strategy.
Benefits of Conducting an Inventory Deep Dive
When conducted effectively, an inventory deep dive analysis provides measurable business value:
- Reduced carrying costs through inventory rationalization
- Improved production planning and on-time delivery performance
- More accurate forecasting and better supplier alignment
- Optimized working capital for reinvestment in growth
- Greater ERP utilization, unlocking the full power of Infor or Acumatica
These outcomes don’t just streamline inventory, they strengthen the entire manufacturing ecosystem.
How WM Synergy Supports Inventory Deep Dive Analysis
With over 35 years of experience and more than 1,800 successful ERP projects, WM Synergy helps manufacturers transform complex inventory data into clear business strategy.
Our team uses advanced ERP reporting tools, dashboards, and KPI analysis within Infor SyteLine and Acumatica to pinpoint the “why” behind inventory behavior. From there, we design process improvements that align with lean principles and operational goals.
Whether the goal is lowering working capital, increasing fill rates, or achieving end-to-end supply chain visibility, WM Synergy ensures every insight from your deep dive translates into measurable improvement.
An inventory deep dive analysis gives manufacturers the insight and control needed to optimize their operations. By combining detailed data review with the powerful capabilities of Infor SyteLine and Acumatica, businesses gain a reliable foundation for smarter decisions, leaner operations, and sustained growth.
At WM Synergy, we don’t just analyze data, we turn it into a roadmap for operational excellence.