What is ABC Inventory Analysis?

Not all of your products are worth the same to your business. ABC Analysis is an inventory categorisation technique used to prioritise stock management based on the significance of different items. It classifies inventory into three categories — A, B, and C — based on their value and contribution to overall sales or consumption. This method follows the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule), which suggests that a small percentage of items account for the majority of inventory value.

How ABC Analysis works

Inventory items are categorised as follows:

1. Category A (high-value, low-quantity items)

• These items contribute to 70-80% of the total inventory value but make up only 10-20% of the total stock.
• They require tight control, accurate forecasting and frequent reordering.
• Examples: Expensive machinery parts, luxury goods, high-margin products.

2. Category B (moderate-value, moderate-quantity items)

• These items account for 15-25% of the total inventory value and make up 30-40% of total stock.
• They require moderate control and regular monitoring.
• Examples: Mid-range electronics, office supplies, moderately priced consumer goods.

3. Category C (low-value, high-quantity items)

• These items make up 5-10% of the total inventory value but constitute 50-60% of the total stock.
• They require minimal control and can be ordered in bulk.
• Examples: Low-cost fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), basic stationery, screws and nuts.

Benefits of ABC Analysis

• Better inventory control – Focuses on high-value items while reducing efforts on low-impact stock.
• Optimised replenishment strategies – Ensures frequent monitoring of crucial inventory while minimising overstock of low-value items.
• Cost reduction – Reduces excess inventory, storage costs and wastage by managing each category differently.
• Improved forecasting and procurement – Helps in accurate demand planning and vendor negotiations.

Implementation steps

• 1. Collect data – Gather inventory details, including item cost, usage frequency, and sales contribution.
• 2. Calculate inventory value – Multiply unit cost by annual usage for each item.
• 3. Sort and categorise – Rank items from highest to lowest value and classify them into A, B, or C based on their contribution.
• 4. Apply inventory policies – Implement stricter control for Category A, moderate control for Category B and relaxed monitoring for Category C.

ABC Analysis helps businesses optimise inventory management by ensuring that resources and attention are focused on the most valuable stock items. By categorising inventory efficiently, you can improve cost control, streamline operations and enhance profitability.