What Is the Best Way to Track Raw Material Inventory in a Small Factory?
A reliable way to track raw material inventory in a small factory is to register each material with unit and minimum level, log every receipt and every consumption linked to a production order, and keep the balance updated automatically.
In Jestor, materials, movements and production orders are connected, so the factory knows what is available before promising new orders.
Why do small factories run out of materials?
Raw materials are taken from storage throughout the day, often without records. The balance in the spreadsheet stops matching the shelf.
Orders stop in the middle of production because a material ran out, and urgent purchases cost more.
At the same time, other materials pile up because they were ordered twice.
What problems does raw material tracking solve?
- Production stopped by missing materials
- Urgent purchases at higher prices
- Stock balances that do not match reality
- No link between consumption and orders
- Overstock of slow-moving materials
How do I track raw materials in Jestor?
- Create a materials table with unit, location, cost and minimum level.
- Record receipts linked to purchase orders and suppliers.
- Record consumption linked to production orders.
- Calculate balances with formula fields.
- Highlight materials below minimum and create purchase requests.
| Movement | Linked to | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Receipt | Purchase order | Increases stock |
| Consumption | Production order | Decreases stock |
| Adjustment | Inventory count | Corrects balance with reason |
| Scrap | Production order | Records waste |
How do I check materials before accepting an order?
When a new order is planned, the bill of materials shows what it needs.
Comparing these quantities with available stock shows what must be purchased before production starts.
Why use Jestor for raw material inventory?
- Movements linked to orders: consumption traceable by job.
- Minimum levels: low stock highlighted in time.
- ERP sync: with Omie, stock movements stay synchronized with the ERP.
- Mobile records: operators log consumption on the floor.
Consumption data also improves purchasing. Knowing average use per week for each material helps set minimum levels and order quantities that avoid both shortages and excess.
This is how you track raw material inventory in a small factory without production stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jestor connect with Omie stock?
Yes. The native Omie integration syncs stock movements.
Can I get free setup help?
Yes. The Jestor team helps at no cost at jestor.com.
Can consumption be linked to production orders?
Yes. Each movement can be linked to the order that used the material.
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