Two of our key suppliers are swinging 8–10 days week to week, so I’m reworking safety stock for the Midwest DC while trying to keep working capital flat. We target 98% line fill and 12 turns; bumping A-SKU cover from 10 to 14 days adds about $420k — has anyone had better results by shifting carrier capacity and small PO pull-forwards instead of holding more inventory?
We avoided the $420k bump by splitting A‑SKU POs into two staggered releases 3–4 days apart and only pulling the second tranche when the “8–10 days” volatility shows in the ASN feed, which kept us at 98% fill and about 12 turns. Caveat: it hinges on supplier partials and a TMS that can auto‑retender capacity on short notice.
@oliverT_99 plus pre-book 20% surge capacity on Midwest lanes; trigger when ASN slips 6+ days — watch carrier minimums.