The Store Inventory table provides detailed, store-level inventory information. This table includes critical metrics such as in-stock inventory, markup, markdown, and margins, detailed down to the item, store, and day granularity. The data includes store number, item number or UPC (Universal Product Code), on-hand quantity, and the business date. Access to this data allows suppliers to understand inventory dynamics across multiple locations.

Why Does Store Inventory Data Matter?

Accurate store inventory data is essential for maintaining optimal in-stock rates, driving sales, and enhancing item performance. Walmart’s replenishment systems depend heavily on inventory accuracy. Inaccuracies in store inventory levels can lead to significant issues, for example if a store appears to have sufficient inventory (even if it doesn't), reorders might be halted, resulting in empty shelves and lost sales.

How Store Inventory Data May Help Suppliers Make Decisions

Store inventory data is invaluable for suppliers, facilitating:

• Improved Forecasting and Planning: With access to inventory data, suppliers may better anticipate demand and adjust production and distribution plans accordingly.

• Optimized Inventory Management: Suppliers may manage their inventory levels more effectively, minimizing risks related to overstocking or understocking, thus optimizing sales and reducing waste.

• Enhanced Supply Chain Visibility: Visibility to product availability may enable informed decisions regarding production, shipping, and inventory management.

• Identification of Growth Opportunities: Analyzing inventory data may help to pinpoint high-demand products and recognize opportunities for growth, refining product offerings, and marketing strategies.

Benefits of Store Inventory Data

Utilizing store inventory data provides suppliers with numerous advantages:

• Monitor Inventory at Scale: Identify which stores are under- or over-inventory to ensure balanced stock levels.

• Validate In-Stock Issues: Detect phantom inventory problems where empty shelves may have high in store on-hand counts.

• Detect Replenishment Anomalies: Recognize stores with consistently low on-hand inventory that may require order point adjustments.

• Compare to POS Data: Identify discrepancies between sales figures and inventory data.

• Identify Shrinkage or Loss: Especially helpful when combined with inventory adjustment data, aiding in loss prevention.

Pairing this table with Sales, Replenishment, Inventory Adjustment, and Store Trait data offers suppliers a comprehensive operational overview.

Example Use Cases for Suppliers

1. Phantom Inventory Investigation: If a high-volume item shows no sales but consistent on-hand inventory, it might indicate phantom inventory.

2. New Item Performance Tracking: Analyzing inventory data post-launch helps monitor the performance of new items relative to initial sales figures.

3. Replenishment Optimization: Identifying stores with chronically low inventory levels can highlight gaps in replenishment processes or delivery issues that need addressing.

Conclusion: Store Inventory Data = Store-Level Insight

Store Inventory data offers suppliers critical visibility into Walmart's store-level stock perceptions. When combined with other key data sets like sales and adjustments, it serves as a powerful diagnostic tool to improve availability, optimize sales, validate performance, and uncover hidden issues. For suppliers aiming to protect availability, maximize sales, and address operational friction, leveraging store inventory data is indispensable.