GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Inventory Management Industry Statistics

The Inventory Management Industry is expected to grow significantly due to the increasing adoption of automation and digital technologies for efficient inventory tracking and optimization.

Highlights: Inventory Management Industry Statistics

  • 43% of U.S. manufacturers said they saw increased competition as a top challenge, believing that better inventory management efficiency was key to stay competitive.
  • According to Statista, the global market for inventory management software was sized at approximately 2.14 billion U.S. dollars in 2018.
  • 46% of SMEs either don't track inventory or use a manual process.
  • 84% of global warehouses and distribution centers are still not using a warehouse or inventory management system.
  • Inventory inaccuracy impacts 34% of businesses.
  • 82% of companies are transitioning to digitized inventory management methods.
  • 52% of inventory holding costs come from warehousing.
  • Without proper inventory management, it's estimated that companies lose $1.1 trillion every year through excess inventory and lost sales.
  • In 2020, the global inventory management software market was valued at USD 2,921.7 million.
  • The inventory management software market is expected to reach USD 3,291.07 million by 2025.
  • Only 21% of warehouses have been slow in adopting mobile devices for inventory management.
  • 60% of small businesses reports making a mistake when tracking inventory manually.
  • On average, companies hold 37 days of sales in inventory.
  • 24% of companies consider inventory management as a significant supply chain challenge.
  • A reduction of 7 days in inventory can generate a 1% increase in profits.
  • In 2020, the average time inventory spent on hand was 45 days.
  • The e-commerce industry alone will drive the inventory management software market to $3.32 billion by 2024.
  • Large companies typically have an inventory turn rate of about 8.1 times per year.

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In the dynamic world of business, one aspect that plays a critical role in ensuring operational efficiency is inventory management. Understanding the key statistics and trends within the inventory management industry is essential for businesses to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition. In this blog post, we will delve into the latest inventory management industry statistics, shedding light on the strategies, challenges, and opportunities that are shaping the industry landscape.

The Latest Inventory Management Industry Statistics Explained

43% of U.S. manufacturers said they saw increased competition as a top challenge, believing that better inventory management efficiency was key to stay competitive.

The statistic indicates that nearly half of U.S. manufacturers perceive increased competition as a significant challenge they are facing. These manufacturers believe that improving inventory management efficiency is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the market. This finding suggests that manufacturers are recognizing the importance of optimizing their inventory processes to navigate the competitive landscape effectively and potentially gain a strategic advantage. By focusing on enhancing inventory management practices, these companies may be better positioned to meet market demands, reduce operational costs, and respond more quickly to changing market conditions, ultimately improving their overall competitiveness in the industry.

According to Statista, the global market for inventory management software was sized at approximately 2.14 billion U.S. dollars in 2018.

The statistic indicates that in 2018, the global market for inventory management software was valued at approximately 2.14 billion U.S. dollars. This figure highlights the significant size and importance of the inventory management software industry worldwide, reflecting the widespread adoption of such software by businesses seeking to streamline their operations and improve efficiency in managing their inventory. The growth of this market underscores the increasing recognition among organizations of the benefits of utilizing technology-driven solutions to enhance their inventory management processes, ultimately aiming to reduce costs, optimize inventory levels, and meet customer demands more effectively.

46% of SMEs either don’t track inventory or use a manual process.

The statistic that 46% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) either do not track their inventory or rely on a manual process indicates a significant portion of these businesses may have inefficiencies in managing their stock levels and monitoring their goods. Lack of proper inventory tracking could lead to issues such as stockouts, overstocking, out-of-date products, or difficulties in order fulfillment. This statistic suggests a potential need for these SMEs to adopt technology-based inventory management systems to improve their operational efficiency, minimize costs, and enhance overall business performance.

84% of global warehouses and distribution centers are still not using a warehouse or inventory management system.

The statistic indicates that a large majority of global warehouses and distribution centers, around 84%, have not implemented a warehouse or inventory management system. This suggests that a significant portion of businesses operating in the logistics and supply chain industry are not utilizing modern technology to optimize their operational efficiency and management of inventory. Without such systems in place, these warehouses may face challenges such as manual data entry errors, inefficient inventory tracking, and difficulty in meeting customer demands in a timely manner. The statistic highlights a potential opportunity for these businesses to enhance their processes and improve overall performance by adopting automated warehouse and inventory management systems.

Inventory inaccuracy impacts 34% of businesses.

The statistic “Inventory inaccuracy impacts 34% of businesses” indicates that over a third of businesses experience issues related to incorrect inventory levels or discrepancies in their stock management systems. This can lead to various problems such as stockouts, overstocking, delays in fulfilment, and financial losses. Such inaccuracies can result from errors in data entry, inadequate tracking systems, lack of real-time visibility, or inefficient inventory management practices. Addressing inventory inaccuracies is crucial for businesses to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and optimize inventory levels to meet demand effectively.

82% of companies are transitioning to digitized inventory management methods.

The statistic that 82% of companies are transitioning to digitized inventory management methods indicates the widespread trend of businesses moving away from traditional, manual inventory tracking systems towards more efficient and technologically advanced digital solutions. This shift reflects a recognition among organizations of the significant benefits that digitized inventory management can offer, such as improved accuracy, real-time tracking, cost savings, and streamlined operations. The high percentage of companies undergoing this transition suggests a growing awareness of the importance of leveraging technology to enhance inventory control and optimization in response to the evolving demands of the modern business landscape.

52% of inventory holding costs come from warehousing.

The statistic that 52% of inventory holding costs come from warehousing indicates that a significant portion of the expenses related to holding inventory can be attributed to the costs associated with storing goods in warehouses. This suggests that managing and maintaining warehouse facilities, including rent, utilities, labor, and other operational expenses, are major contributors to the overall cost of holding inventory. By highlighting the specific proportion allocated to warehousing, businesses can better understand where a large portion of their inventory holding costs are concentrated and focus on optimizing warehouse operations to potentially reduce costs and improve overall efficiency in managing their inventories.

Without proper inventory management, it’s estimated that companies lose $1.1 trillion every year through excess inventory and lost sales.

This statistic highlights the significant financial impact of poor inventory management practices on companies, with an estimated loss of $1.1 trillion annually attributed to excess inventory and lost sales. Excess inventory ties up valuable resources and incurs additional costs related to storage, maintenance, and depreciation, ultimately reducing overall profitability. Additionally, inefficient inventory management can lead to stockouts and missed sales opportunities, further eroding revenue potential. By implementing effective inventory control strategies and leveraging data-driven approaches, businesses can better optimize their inventory levels, improve operational efficiency, and mitigate the financial losses associated with excess inventory and lost sales.

In 2020, the global inventory management software market was valued at USD 2,921.7 million.

The statistic that the global inventory management software market was valued at USD 2,921.7 million in 2020 represents the total financial worth of all the inventory management software being bought and sold worldwide during that year. This figure indicates the market size and the value of the inventory management software industry, reflecting the demand for software solutions that help businesses efficiently track and manage their inventory. The market value also suggests the significant role that inventory management software plays in improving operational efficiencies, reducing costs, and enhancing productivity for companies across various industries on a global scale.

The inventory management software market is expected to reach USD 3,291.07 million by 2025.

This statistic indicates a projected increase in the size of the inventory management software market, reaching an estimated value of USD 3,291.07 million by the year 2025. This figure suggests a growing demand for inventory management solutions, likely driven by factors such as the increasing complexity of supply chains, expansion of e-commerce activities, and a focus on enhancing operational efficiency across various industries. The forecasted growth in market size signifies the importance of efficient inventory management systems for businesses looking to optimize their operations and adapt to evolving market dynamics in the coming years.

Only 21% of warehouses have been slow in adopting mobile devices for inventory management.

The statistic stating that only 21% of warehouses have been slow in adopting mobile devices for inventory management suggests that the majority of warehouses have taken steps towards incorporating mobile technology into their operations. This indicates a positive trend towards embracing more efficient and modern practices in inventory management. The statistic implies that about four-fifths of warehouses have already implemented or are in the process of implementing mobile devices for inventory management, highlighting the increasing recognition of the benefits that technology can bring to the efficiency, accuracy, and overall performance of warehouse operations.

60% of small businesses reports making a mistake when tracking inventory manually.

The statistic that 60% of small businesses report making a mistake when tracking inventory manually suggests a significant prevalence of errors in inventory management within the small business sector. This data highlights the challenges that many small businesses face when relying on manual inventory tracking methods, such as spreadsheets or pen and paper. These errors can have serious consequences, leading to stockouts, overstock situations, poor customer service, and financial losses. As a result, there is a clear need for small businesses to explore more efficient and accurate inventory management solutions, such as implementing inventory management software or automated systems, to improve operational efficiency and minimize errors in tracking inventory.

On average, companies hold 37 days of sales in inventory.

This statistic indicates that across a given set of companies, the average number of days it takes for them to sell their entire inventory is 37 days. Holding inventory for a shorter period can imply more efficient operations and better cash flow management, as it suggests that products are selling quickly. On the other hand, a longer period may indicate potential issues such as overstocking or slow sales, which can tie up resources and impact profitability. Monitoring this metric can help companies optimize their inventory levels to balance between meeting customer demand and minimizing carrying costs.

24% of companies consider inventory management as a significant supply chain challenge.

The statistic that 24% of companies consider inventory management as a significant supply chain challenge indicates that nearly a quarter of businesses face difficulties in effectively managing their inventory within the broader framework of their supply chain operations. This statistic suggests that issues related to inventory control, such as stockouts, overstocking, or inefficient order fulfilment processes, pose significant hindrances to the overall efficiency and competitiveness of these companies. Effective inventory management is crucial for optimizing processes, reducing costs, meeting customer demands, and ultimately enhancing profitability. By highlighting the prevalence of this challenge, the statistic underscores the importance for companies to prioritize improvements in their inventory management practices to streamline their supply chain operations and drive better business performance.

A reduction of 7 days in inventory can generate a 1% increase in profits.

This statistic suggests that for every 7 days a company reduces its inventory levels, it can expect to see a corresponding increase in profits of about 1%. This relationship indicates that holding excess inventory can tie up valuable capital that could be better utilized elsewhere, potentially leading to missed sales opportunities and increased costs associated with storage and obsolescence. By efficiently managing inventory and minimizing excess stock, a company can improve its cash flow, reduce carrying costs, enhance customer satisfaction through quicker fulfillment, and ultimately boost profitability through increased sales and cost savings.

In 2020, the average time inventory spent on hand was 45 days.

The statistic “In 2020, the average time inventory spent on hand was 45 days” refers to the average number of days that inventory was held by a company before being sold or used up during the year 2020. This metric is often used by businesses to assess their efficiency in managing inventory levels and turnover rates. A lower figure would suggest that the company is effectively managing its inventory by quickly converting it into sales or production, whereas a higher figure may indicate potential issues such as overstocking or slow-moving inventory. Monitoring the time inventory spends on hand helps businesses streamline operations, reduce carrying costs, and optimize cash flow.

The e-commerce industry alone will drive the inventory management software market to $3.32 billion by 2024.

This statistic suggests that the e-commerce industry’s growing demand for inventory management software is poised to significantly impact the market’s size, leading to a projected value of $3.32 billion by 2024. The rise in online retail activities necessitates efficient management of inventory to meet customer demands and ensure timely delivery. As e-commerce businesses continue to expand and establish themselves as a dominant force in the market, the need for advanced inventory management solutions becomes increasingly vital. This projected market value reflects the industry’s recognition of the importance of streamlined inventory operations and the corresponding investment in software solutions to optimize efficiency and profitability.

Large companies typically have an inventory turn rate of about 8.1 times per year.

The statistic that large companies typically have an inventory turn rate of about 8.1 times per year refers to the frequency at which a company sells and replaces its inventory within a given timeframe. An inventory turn rate of 8.1 times per year indicates that, on average, the company sells and replaces its entire inventory 8.1 times annually. A higher inventory turn rate generally suggests that a company is effectively managing its inventory levels and efficiently converting stock into sales. In the case of large companies, a turnover rate of 8.1 times per year signifies a strong operational efficiency in inventory management, as they are able to keep their products moving and minimize holding costs associated with excess inventory.

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How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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