How to Get a Report for Excess and Obsolete Material in Cetec ERP
Managing inventory is one of the most significant ongoing tasks for manufacturers. A particular challenge is keeping track of excess, obsolete, or “orphaned” material - inventory items that have no active use or are not assigned to any current orders. Tracking these materials is critical for manufacturers looking to reduce waste, minimize storage costs, and prevent inefficiencies.
Cetec ERP offers straightforward tools to help you identify and manage these materials effectively. This guide will walk you through creating a report to track and manage orphaned materials in Cetec ERP.
Step 1: Access Inventory Reports in Cetec ERP
Start by locating the Reports dropdown menu in the Parts module. Once in the Reports section, locate the Historical Part Demand report.
Step 2: Set Up Filters for Orphaned Material
To review obsolete materials, you’ll want to tailor your report to capture items that do not currently have assigned work orders or demand allocations. You’ll want to filter by key criteria, such as:
- Location: If you manage inventory across multiple warehouses or zones, you can filter by location to focus on specific storage areas where orphaned materials may accumulate.
- Non-Inventory: Filter out non-inventory parts to exclude unnecessary results.
- On Hand Only - Limits your search to exclusively parts with a quantity on hand.
Step 3: Customize Columns to Show Relevant Data
For an effective orphaned materials report, customize the visible columns to include fields like:
- Part Number: Allows easy identification of each material.
- Quantity on Hand: Indicates the amount of each orphaned material.
- 12 Month Use (which excludes intercompany use) and Use Since: Helps you track how long it’s been since the material was last used.
- Total Backlog: Review your total backlog.
By adjusting columns, you ensure your report is tailored to provide the information needed for quick decision-making.
Step 4: Save and Schedule the Report for Regular Review
Excess and obsolete materials can pile up quickly, especially in high-mix manufacturing environments. To prevent this, consider scheduling the report to run automatically at regular intervals, such as weekly or monthly. In Cetec ERP, you can save your customized report setup and set it to run on a specific schedule. This proactive approach lets you consistently monitor inventory and take action on orphaned materials before they become a larger issue.
Step 5: Take Action Based on the Report Insights
Once your report is generated, it’s time to decide on the best course of action for the materials listed. Here are some options to consider:
- Reallocate Materials to Upcoming Orders: Review planned work orders to see if any orphaned materials can be used, reducing new material purchases.
- Dispose of Obsolete Materials: For items that have no foreseeable use, consider a clearance sale or disposal.
- Store for Future Projects: In some cases, orphaned materials may have long-term value if stored properly. Use Cetec ERP’s inventory tracking features to maintain traceability and monitor these materials over time.
Bonus Tip: Leverage Cetec ERP’s Barcode Tracking for Easy Retrieval
To enhance your workflow, take advantage of Cetec ERP’s barcoding features to label orphaned materials clearly. Scanning capabilities simplify retrieval for reassignment or disposal, and digital documentation keeps a permanent record of each item’s traceability and status within the ERP system.
Conclusion
Tracking and managing excess, obsolete, or orphaned material doesn’t have to be a time-consuming process. By using Cetec ERP’s reporting tools, you can quickly generate an accurate and actionable report that will help you keep inventory lean and reduce costs. With scheduled reports, effective filters, and targeted data columns, your team can maintain visibility over all materials and make informed decisions to keep production efficient.