Operations · Inventory & Data
GCC distribution business cuts inventory by 47%
Inventory reduced by 47% through data analysis and process redesign.
The challenge
A GCC distribution business was sitting on inventory levels that had grown faster than its sales. Working capital was tied up in stock that was either slow-moving or duplicated across locations. Cash flow was constrained and write-off risk was rising.
Standard inventory reduction programmes had been attempted but never stuck. The leadership team wanted a structured, data-driven approach that would not break service levels in the process.
Our approach
- Performed a full SKU-level data analysis to segment stock by velocity, margin, and strategic importance.
- Rebuilt the replenishment logic and safety-stock policy by segment and location.
- Worked with sales and procurement to phase out and run down obsolete and duplicated lines without service disruption.
- Implemented ongoing inventory governance with a monthly review rhythm.
The outcome
47%
Inventory reduction achieved
0
Service-level incidents from the reduction
AED multi-million
Working capital released
“We had tried inventory programmes before. Jim was the first person who did it without us losing service. The cash impact was significant.”