Secret Life of Inventory

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should use lot numbers or serial numbers to track your inventory, this episode breaks it down in a clear, practical way. We cover what each system is, what information it stores, which industries rely on it, and when to use one over the other. You’ll also learn best practices and how inventory software can make tracking more scalable and accurate. Whether you’re improving your current process or building one from scratch, this episode will help you make b...

How do inclusion, sustainability, and innovation shape the future of supply chains? And what does it take to build a community that truly elevates underrepresented voices in the industry? In this episode, we’re joined by Sarah Barnes-Humphrey—creator and host of Let’s Talk Supply Chain and Women in Supply Chain, founder of the non-profit Blended Pledge, and a #1 Amazon Best-Selling Author. We explore her journey as a trailblazer in the supply chain space, her work advocating for equity and r...

What’s happening behind the scenes in modern manufacturing? How are robotics, cobots, and AI transforming operations—and how can companies attract and reskill the next generation of talent? In this episode, we sit down with Jake Hall, the Manufacturing Millennial, to uncover practical strategies for reskilling employees, balancing new technology with real-world challenges, and attracting the next generation of talent. Plus, get insights on emerging trends, sustainability initiatives, and how...

Inventory can make or break a business, but managing it isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about strategy. In this episode, we're joined by the inventory legend, Jon Schreibfeder, President of Effective Inventory Management (EIM) and author of Achieving Effective Inventory Management (now in its 7th edition). With over 45 years of experience guiding thousands of companies worldwide, Jon shares practical insights that help businesses rethink their approach to stock. We cover: • How to d...

In this episode, we dive into the complete product journey—from the initial spark of an idea to the moment your product finally hits the market. Joining us is Matt, our Head of Business Development at inFlow, who brings over 10 years of hands-on experience turning innovative hardware concepts into real, successful products. Matt shares firsthand stories and practical insights from his decade of leading inFlow’s transition from a software-focused company to one that also builds its own hardwa...

If you’re new to manufacturing, inventory management can feel overwhelming—but we’re here to break it down! We’ll start with the basics of a Bill of Materials (BOM)—a detailed list of all the parts, components, and raw materials needed to make a product. We’ll also cover the role of barcoding systems in tracking inventory and how they can reduce errors and save time. Finally, we’ll explore how MRP (Material Requirements Planning) software ties it all together, helping you stay organized, trac...

The holiday season is just around the corner, and for small business owners, it’s the most important time of the year! In this episode, we’ll guide you through essential strategies to prepare your inventory for the holiday rush and ensure your business is ready to thrive. Learn how to forecast demand, organize your stock, work with suppliers, and avoid common inventory pitfalls. Whether you’re an e-commerce shop or brick-and-mortar store, these tips will help you stay ahead of the curve and ...

Join us as we sit down with Monica - the inspiring owner of SnaptureThis, a thriving gift shop known for its unique paper goods and community collaborations. She shares her journey of starting a small business from scratch, while navigating the challenges of selling her products online and managing multiple retail stores. We also dive into the backstory of her podcast, Sip It, where she explores the world of small businesses and the cafe scene in Toronto. Plus, she opens up about the balancin...

Let's break down the fascinating world of consignment, including: the basics of consignment, how agreements work between sellers and consignors, and the benefits and drawbacks of using consignment for buying and selling. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to sell your products, a buyer seeking unique finds, or just curious about the process, this episode has something for everyone. Get ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get inspired to try consignment yourself! Don't forget to like, ...

The terms "wholesaler" and "distributor" are often confused and used interchangeably in the supply chain. Wondering about the real differences are between the two? In today's Secret Life of Inventory episode, we'll explore the fundamentals of a supply chain, the key differences between wholesalers vs. distributors, and practical tips on how you can find the right distributor. Comment below if you have any topics you'd like us to cover next, and be sure to subscribe and hit the bell for notifi...

In episode two, we share the fundamentals of mastering retail inventory management. Discover proven best practices and real-world case studies like why did Forever 21 go bankrupt? What happened to Kmart and Sears? And how does Walmart stay as one of the top retail giants? Get ready to be educated and entertained with insights on inventory management. Subscribe to stay tuned for more! 0:00 – Teaser 0:10 – Intro 0:57 – What is Retail Inventory Management? 3:25 – Types of Retail Inventory 6:39...