Secret Life of Inventory – Details, episodes & analysis

What’s really happening behind the scenes of modern warehouses? How are companies using AI, sustainability strategies, and smart inventory practices to stay ahead? In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Lawton, host of The New Warehouse, to uncover the trends, strategies, and stories shaping today’s warehouse operations.

Topics Covered:
• Kevin’s inspiration and lessons from hosting The New Warehouse
• Emerging trends in warehousing and AI solutions
• Inventory control best practices and warehouse layout tips
• Sustainability and standardization strategies
• Risk management and creative approaches to returns
• Metrics that matter and what’s next in the industry

Whether you’re running a warehouse, managing inventory, or curious about logistics, this episode is packed with actionable insights!

⬇️ Follow Kevin! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinclawton/
https://www.thenewwarehouse.com/

0:00 - Teaser
0:15 - Intro
1:57 - Kevin's backstory
3:44 - What inspired you to start The New Warehouse?
9:24 - Are there any exciting trends in warehousing?
17:56 - What AI solutions are making a real impact?
19:41 - How are midsize vs. large operations adapting differently?
23:09 - What big changes have you seen in the past decade?
23:09 - Can you share sustainability tips in warehousing?
27:37 - What are best practices for inventory control?
34:37 - What are common warehouse layout mistakes?
38:19 - What does standardization look like in a warehouse?
44:50 - How does quality assurance look like in a warehouse?
48:15 - What's often overlooked in risk management?
54:21 - What are creative strategies for managing returns?
1:02:34 - What metrics matter when managing returns?
1:03:43 - Rapid fire questions
1:04:44 - Which podcast episodes would you recommend?
1:05:52 - What exciting things are coming up next?
1:07:01 - Outro

Stay connected:
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#inventory #inventorymanagement #inflow #inflowinventory #secretlifeofinventory #warehousing #thenewawarehouse #thenewwarehousepodcast #supplychain #logistics #AIinWarehousing #sustainability

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 decide which products deserve a spot in your inventory
• Identifying and eliminating obsolete or unwanted stock
• Common causes of stockouts, and how to balance sporadic vs. steady demand
• Forecasting mistakes and how to improve accuracy
• Adjusting for lead times and safety stock in uncertain conditions
• The EOQ formula: what it is and when it works
• Best practices for replenishment and how software/automation fits in
• Warehouse layout, habits, and cycle counting made easier
• Which KPIs actually matter when measuring success
• ROI timelines and where Jon sees the future of inventory management

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I carrying too much stock—or not enough?” this episode is packed with frameworks, strategies, and stories to help you find the right balance.

📖 Resources:
• Follow Jon! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-schreibfeder-7433524/
• Calculate your carrying cost: https://effectiveinventory.com/inventory-management-tools/carrying-cost/
• Sell excess inventory (in the U.S.): https://www.warehousetwo.com/

0:00 - Intro
1:40 - How did you get into the world of inventory?
2:56 - What inspired you to start Effective Inventory Management Inc?
4:47 - What are common misconceptions in inventory?
5:57 - What do your services include at EIM?
7:00 - What’s one of your most memorable client stories?
11:05 - What are the most common inventory challenges?
12:16 - How do businesses decide what items truly deserve a place in their inventory?
18:27 - How do you identify obsolete inventory?
20:57 - What’s the best way to get rid of unwanted stock?
23:01 - Which sites do you recommend selling on?
23:33 - What’s the most common reason to run out of stock? 
23:50 - How do you handle sporadic vs. steady demand?
30:45 - Where do most businesses go wrong with demand forecasting?
32:51 - The meaning of usage, sales, and disbursements
35:28 - How should businesses adjust for lead times and safety stock?
42:30 - Are there common traps companies fall into while chasing incentives?
40:04 - What is the EOQ formula and how is it used?
50:55 - What should you consider in the replenishment process?
51:10 - What role do software and automation play?
57:26 - What do you look for in a warehouse?
1:00:06 - What operational habit or process should warehouse teams adopt?
1:03:03 - How do you make cycle counting easier?
1:08:06 - How do you measure success with KPIs?
1:17:09 - How long does it usually take for clients to see ROI?
1:19:18 - Where do you see the future of inventory management?

Stay connected:
https://www.facebook.com/inFlowInventory/
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/5276148/admin/feed/inflowinventory
https://www.instagram.com/inflow.inventory/
https://www.tiktok.com/@inflowinventory
https://twitter.com/inflowinventory

#inventory #inventorymanagement #demandforecasting #effectiveinventorymanagementinc #inflow #inflowinventory

Discover valuable career advice for aspiring supply chain professionals and explore best practices for demand forecasting! From industry expert and founder of MVC Logistics Academy, Professor Maria Rodriguez, who was also named one of the top Women in Supply Chain by Supply & Demand Chain Executive Magazine! She explains the importance of demand forecasting in inventory management and recommends tools and techniques to predict future demand accurately.

Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your supply chain career and master demand forecasting!

Follow MVC Logistics Academy:
https://www.youtube.com/@MVCLogisticsAcademy/videos
https://www.instagram.com/mvclogisticsacademy
https://www.facebook.com/mvclogisticsacademy
https://www.mvclogisticsacademy.com/

0:00 - Teaser
0:11 - Intro
7:01 - 10 things to consider before working in supply chain management / logistics
17:09 - What is demand forecasting?
25:40 - Demand forecasting best practices
37:52 - Is AI being implemented into automation?
39:20 - Key takeaways to improve your supply chain career
43:26 - Outro

🎧 Listen to our Secret Life of Inventory podcast on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/2ynkKYhfivEWn6IRkA113D?si=2f45b350e474404b

Stay connected:
https://www.facebook.com/inFlowInventory/
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/5276148/admin/feed/inflowinventory
https://www.instagram.com/inflow.inventory/
https://www.tiktok.com/@inflowinventory
https://twitter.com/inflowinventory

#inventory #inventorymanagement #inflow #inflowcloud #inflowinventory

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, comment, and subscribe for more insightful episodes. Hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest content!

0:00 - Teaser
0:10 - Intro
0:41 - What is consignment?
1:24 - What do people usually sell on consignment?
2:34 - What percentage do consignment shops take?
3:12 - What is a real-world example of consignment?
5:09 - What are the advantages of consignment for consignors (the suppliers)?
7:02 - What are the advantages of consignment for consignees (the retailers)?
8:14 - What are the disadvantages of consignment for consignors (the suppliers)?
12:44 - What are the disadvantages of consignment for consignees (the retailers)?
14:04 - What are some tips on mitigating consignment pitfalls?
17:04 - What are some emerging trends in the consignment industry?
20:41 - Key takeaways for consignment
21:55 - Outro

In this episode, we have a special guest, the Director of GS1 US, Jonathan Gregory! Join us as we explore the intricate world of supply chain logistics, discussing the importance of standardization, the future of barcodes/RFIDs, and advice for new businesses looking to adhere to industry standards.

Whether you're a seasoned logistics professional or simply interested in the inner workings of the supply chain, this episode promises valuable insights that can transform the way you perceive inventory management.

Be sure to subscribe to stay tuned for more!

0:00 Teaser
0:04 Intro
1:30 Who is GS1?
2:14 The importance of standardization in logistics/inventory management
3:40 Can you tell us about the GS1 forum?
6:01 Can you tell us about Sunrise 2027?
9:30 How have RFIDs impacted the logistics industry?
12:31 What emerging technologies can we expect to hear about in the future?
14:14 How has the logistics and inventory management community adopted AI?
17:08 How can businesses start implementing standard practices?
18:35 How does GS1 promote standardization?
20:17 What are the benefits of being GS1 compliant?
22:25 Do you have any advice for businesses looking to adhere to industry-standards?
23:10 Outro

Try inFlow to manage your inventory and make sure you never run out of stock:
https://www.inflowinventory.com/

Do you need a GS1 registered barcode? Check out the inFlow GTIN Barcode Shop: https://inflowinventory.com/gtin-barcodes

Listen to our podcast on other platforms:
https://secretlifeofinventory.buzzsprout.com/

About Secret Life of Inventory:
Welcome to the Secret Life of Inventory – a show where we delve deep into the unseen world of inventory management, revealing the hidden mysteries that help small businesses (like you) optimize their workflow and succeed!

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 notifications to stay tuned for more!

0:00 Teaser
0:13 Intro
0:56 What is a supply chain?
2:24 Why do people do wholesale?
5:26 How are distributors different than wholesalers?
8:18 How to find the right distributor
11:11 The challenges of wholesale distribution
17:01 Outro

Try inFlow to manage your inventory and make sure you never run out of stock:
https://www.inflowinventory.com/

Listen to our podcast on other platforms:
https://secretlifeofinventory.buzzsprout.com/

About Secret Life of Inventory:
Welcome to the Secret Life of Inventory – a show where we delve deep into the unseen world of inventory management, revealing the hidden mysteries that help small businesses (like you) optimize their workflow and succeed!

Join us in this insightful episode as we dive deep into the world of barcoding and discover how you can create your own barcode system. Whether you're a small business owner looking to streamline inventory management or an enthusiast eager to learn more about the technology behind barcodes, this episode has something for everyone.

0:00 Teaser
0:13 Intro
1:24 What are barcodes?
2:40 How do barcodes work?
4:30 How do you create barcodes?
6:32 What are the pros and cons of creating your own barcodes?
9:59 The different types of barcode symbology
13:53 How much does it cost to start a barcode system?
17:42 What hardware do you need for barcode scanning and printing?
21:52 What should you consider before starting a barcode system?
22:53 Outro

Try inFlow to manage your inventory and make sure you never run out of stock:
https://www.inflowinventory.com/

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 - What are the Benefits of Effective Retail Inventory Management?
10:31 - Best Practices for Business Owners
12:48 - Real-World Case Studies
12:57 - Forever 21: The Rise & Downfall
14:21 - Walmart vs. K-Mart: Price War in 1990s
16:30 - Why Sears 
18:09 - Walmart RFIDs: Radio Frequency Identification
18:55 - Uniqlo RFID Tags and Check-out System
19:49 - Decathalon RFID Check-out System
20:03 - Amazon Go RFIDs
20:35 - Outro

Try inFlow to manage your inventory and make sure you never run out of stock:
https://www.inflowinventory.com/

Are you a business owner in need of better inventory management? Well, we can help! In this episode, we're here to teach you the fundamentals of inventory management and common techniques used to effectively manage stock. From cutting costs to improving productivity, stay tuned to learn the best practices and how you can improve your workflow today!

0:00 - Intro
1:07 - Who are we?
2:14 - What is inventory management?
3:46 - Why is inventory management important?
6:10 - Different types of inventory techniques
6:36 - ABC analysis
7:50 - Batch tracking
8:40 - Bulk shipment
9:02 - Consignment
11:33 - Cross-docking
12:40 - Demand forecasting
13:39 - Dropshipping
15:22 - Economic order quantity
16:10 - FIFO (first in, first out)
17:26 - LIFO (last in, first out)
17:44 - Just in time
19:53 - Lean manufacturing/lean construction
21:36 - Material requirements planning (MRP)
22:11 - Minimum order quantity
22:44 - Reorder points 
24:09 - Safety stock
25:17 - Periodic vs. perpetual inventory management
26:01 - Cycle counts
27:26 - Perpetual inventory management
28:36 - Wrapping up
30:01 - Outro

Try inFlow to manage your inventory and make sure you never run out of stock:
https://www.inflowinventory.com/

Trade policies and tariffs can be overwhelming, but they have a real impact on your bottom line. BDC’s Director of Economic Research, Arnaud Franco, breaks down exactly what SMBs (small to medium-sized businesses) need to know to navigate U.S.-Canada trade with confidence.

Arnaud walks us through why tariffs exist, how they impact different industries, and what compliance really looks like. Plus, he shares practical strategies for managing inventory, optimizing supply chains, and running daily operations more smoothly.

Whether you’re running your first small business or looking to refine your operations, this episode of the Secret Life of Inventory is packed with actionable insights to help you make smarter, more informed decisions in today’s economic landscape.

🇨🇦 Resources: 
• How to Tackle Tariffs: https://www.bdc.ca/tariffs
• Consulting: https://www.bdc.ca/en/consulting
• Export Development Canada: https://www.edc.ca/

0:00 - Teaser
0:15 - Intro
1:35 - How did you get into economics?
3:21 - What is the definition of economics?
4:11 - What does economic research look like?
5:37 - Why would governments implement tariffs?
7:59 - What’s the current situation between the U.S. and Canada?
12:49 - What tariff trends should business owners pay attention to?
14:10 - Is the paperwork compliance process difficult?
14:56 - What are the common misconceptions about tariffs or trade policies?
15:53 - How should businesses navigate tariffs?
18:51 - Which industries are impacted the most?
20:34 - What inventory techniques do you recommend?
22:00 -  What professionals should you consult?
23:11 - How is the Canadian economy right now?
26:11 - What is the U.S. strategy?
28:10 - BDC’s Buy 5 High 5 Campaign
30:04 - What is micro vs. macroeconomics?
32:18 - What macroeconomics should business owners be aware of?
37:03 - What microeconomics should business owners look for in their daily operations?
40:32 - What challenges are SMBs facing?
43:46 - Arnaud’s past professional life
45:11 - How should SMBs think about their supply chain differently?
47:35 - What one advice would you give to entrepreneurs?
50:23 - What are some helpful concepts or frameworks business owners should lean into?
52:06 - Outro
52:19 - What’s next for Arnaud and BDC?
53:36 - Connect with us and share!

Stay connected:
https://www.facebook.com/inFlowInventory/
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/5276148/admin/feed/inflowinventory
https://www.instagram.com/inflow.inventory/
https://www.tiktok.com/@inflowinventory
https://twitter.com/inflowinventory

#inventory #inventorymanagement #inflow #inflowinventory #tariffs