The IMPACTxp stock management module facilitates the on-going management of spare parts and consumable stock, whilst promoting a saving in total goods value.

Stock can be managed corporately or by individual location down to the separate bin locations. IMPACTxp automatically manages stock levels to reflect physical stock, allocated stock, on order balance and free stock levels and will prompt the user when stock levels fall too low.
An extensive supplier file also ensures that supplier performance is monitored according to delivery and price.

The benefits of utilizing the stock management module are:

Equilibrium in the balance of spares stock holding
Lowers costs associated with buying in a panic situation
Lowers the costs associated with having too much in stock
Effective use of storage space
Lowers the risk of delays in the maintenance activity
Lowers delays in production
Increases morale

multiple company operation

A unique feature of the IMPACTxp system is the ability to operate stock management across multiple companies. Each company can relate to separate sites or departments, offering the user the ability to report company wide or globally across the system.

powerful inventory file

Each stock item has an individual inventory master file record. Stock items can be global across the system, which means that all companies can utilize the same inventory codes regardless of different stock levels and requirements.

As well as the inventory code, a range of information is held on each master file record. Stores locations are specified, along with any bin numbers in which stock is held. A unique feature of the IMPACTxp system means that the user is then able to record the minimum safety stock, the re-order point level, the minimum order quantity and the economical quantity to order. The system would then prompt the user to re-order when stock levels fall low. If the purchase order management module were utilized, the system would prompt the user to order in an economical way. The system is therefore capable of managing both stock levels and expenditure, at any point in the system.

Up to three suppliers can be attached to each record, with details on performance such as delivery and price. The system automatically maintains the following details:

Standard cost
Last cost charged
Average cost charged

The user can decide which of these costs is used to cost materials to work orders. This information also puts the user in an advantageous position, when dealing with overpriced suppliers.

As standard within the IMPACTxp system, the user is also able to attach special handling instructions, documents, images and drawings to each individual stock item.

integration into the base module

Within the base module, plant items may require specific inventory items in order to be maintained. A spare parts plan therefore allows the user to highlight and link inventory to plant. This ensures that users are unlikely to use unsuitable spares on important equipment. A kitting list file also allows the user to combine inventory items and specialist equipment (tools) into a kit. Kits are specific to different stores locations and are essential for certain tasks to be carried out on plant equipment.

The stock management module is tightly integrated into the base module. When a kit list is attached to a work order or a library job, the information is automatically posted to the stock management module for kit allocation.

powerful safeguard against stock outs

Regardless of the optimum management of stock, emergencies may occur where stock has been taken and not logged in the system or cannot be delivered by a supplier in time. A unique feature of the IMPACTxp system therefore allows the user to specify a range of inventory items that can be combined to create a whole new spare part.

The system also allows the user to specify alternative spares on the inventory master file, which can be utilized if necessary as a temporary replacement. The system keeps track of where inventory items are currently being used. This means that if an alternative item does not exist or an item cannot be assembled, the user is able to locate an item to borrow.

manual allocation

In the control of stock, it is more advantageous to plan ahead. However, in some cases stock may be ordered for a specific job that has not been scheduled with a work order yet. The IMPACTxp system therefore allows the user to manually reserve stock to stop items being allocated to other work orders. This means that the item will be flagged as allocated, rather than free stock.

stock movements

The issuing and returning of stock can be carried out from the same screen. Stock can be issued against a kit list on a work order or against a list of items that have been manually allocated. These are planned issues that the system has been expecting. Picked goods slips can be printed by the system if required.

However, stock can be issued to a work order, cost code or plant item without being allocated first. The system automatically maintains physical stock quantity, allocated quantity, on-order quantity (if purchase order management is used) and available quantities. If an unplanned issue is requested, the system would therefore inform the user of any shortages in stock. Another feature of the IMPACTxp system is the ability to suspend issues from a store. This is controlled from the inventory master file and is particularly useful in an environment where stock items may need to be kept in quarantine for a set period of time.

receiving and transferring stock

Goods can be received into the stock management module regardless of whether they have been ordered using the purchase order management module. If required, new stores and bin locations can be created to receive stock without having to leave the goods received program. IMPACTxp also allows inventory items to be transferred between stores and bin locations.

reports

There are a number of reports that can be accessed within this module including stock report by value, inventory movements report, list parts by supplier and stock level review.