On this episode of The Inventory Nation Podcast Nicole is walking us through Five Things Every Inventory Manager Should Know (plus a very important bonus tip!). The quickest way to build confidence in your role is to know the landscape you’re dealing with and Nicole’s step-by-step roadmap does exactly that. She covers the foundational elements of a highly effective inventory program, which include: defining parameters and figuring out variables in the system; creating a network of support for those tough days or tricky situations; and – perhaps most important of all – getting clear with your team about what’s expected of you right from the start.

• The importance of starting out with the “why” and a vision. (With a nod to Simon Semek.)
• Front and Center: Remember that you’re always endeavoring to be the best for your patients and practice. So give yourself a break!
• Questions to Ask:
  • What do you ultimately hope to achieve in your inventory practice?
  • Do you have adequate training?
  • Are you saddled with antiquated legacy systems that need reevaluation?
• Don’t forget about the inventory management community as a resource for advice, solidarity and opportunities to learn.
• The Five Things Every Inventory Manager Should Know (plus a bonus!):
  • #1 What’s on the shelf, where everything is stored and what items are mixed together. If necessary, pull everything out, sort and then put it back together in a way that makes sense.
  • #2 Where to access sales information. It’s important to track the flow of items and any trends in usage to stay ahead.
  • #3 Nail down special pricing or preferred vendors. It can be invaluable to get the scoop from your practice owner/manager and develop relationships with reps.
  • #4 Study and understand seasonal shifts, when they occur and their impacts. If you have a grasp of the cycles, it will help you anticipate your practice’s needs.
  • #5 Ensure that you have some sort of support system! Inventory management can sometimes feel like an isolated niche. So seek out a supportive community, whether online or one-to-one locally.
  • #6 Get clear and granular with your practice leadership about your role and specific expectations. Don’t be afraid to ask for training or clarifications.

Hi, I’m Nicole Clausen and I started Veterinary Care Logistics with the dream of changing the way we manage inventory together.

With 14+ years of experience in the veterinary industry, I have worked in several positions from receptionist to operations manager for several different hospitals.

While no two practices are ever just alike, I noticed one common problem: a lack of inventory management and control.

If you are tasked with managing inventory, I understand first-hand the challenges you face.

When I first started managing inventory, I struggled with the same things that many of my client’s experience: a to-do list up my chin and a pretty persistent case of imposter syndrome. But jolting awake in the middle of the night, wondering if you remembered to order rabies vaccines is no way to live.

I knew something had to change.

Veterinary Care Logistics was born out of the demand by several industry leaders to utilize my inventory system as a model throughout the country. Whenever I tell people what I do, I usually get a puzzled reaction: “Why would you want to do that? I hate inventory!” Truthfully, I love the puzzles, the numbers, and the strategies of inventory. But what really sets my soul on fire is creating lightbulb moments.

New clients who often come to me tell me that they feel like they’re drowning or that they think they’re just not cut out for this. Then once we start working together, putting systems in place, there’s always, always an “ah-ha” moment.

And at that moment, a shift occurs. You know exactly what you need to do. Your confidence rises. And the confusion, overwhelm, worry all begin to melt away like a bad, backordered-rabies-vaccine dream.

These are the moments I live for.

• VISN: https://www.veterinaryisn.com/
• Inventory Ally – Inventory Management Software: https://inventoryally.com/
• Free Resources: www.vetlogic.co/education