Minimizing Stockouts & Overstock: Smarter Inventory Planning for Retail Sales

Effective inventory planning is a crucial component of retail management, ensuring that the right products are available while minimizing excess stock. Stockouts result in lost sales and dissatisfied customers, whereas overstocking leads to increased holding costs and wastage. This article examines advanced inventory management strategies, demand forecasting techniques, and technological interventions such as AI-driven analytics, digital twin-based inventory optimization, and just-in-time (JIT) inventory management. The paper also explores case studies, research-based methodologies, and emerging trends such as subscription-based inventory planning and dynamic inventory management using AI models.