In a higher-for-longer interest-rate environment, cash discipline is back at the top of the agenda. Across large companies, the cash conversion cycle has lengthened primarily because stock days have crept up, with receivables also edging higher and payables offering only a partial offset. Recent benchmarks show inventory is the biggest drag on cash for many sectors.
At the same time, the prize is significant: analysts estimate that well over $1 trillion of liquidity remains tied up in working-capital processes—cash that could be released by tightening order-to-cash, right-sizing inventory and sharpening procure-to-pay execution.
Regulation is also shifting behaviour. In the UK, government proposals would toughen disclosure and board oversight of supplier payments and move maximum terms towards 45 days, raising the bar on payment discipline. In the EU, the existing Late Payment Directive still frames typical business-to-business terms at 60 days.
Our focus: unlock cash swiftly, reduce stock without hurting service, and build controls that keep improvements in place. In short—more cash, less inventory, same (or better) service.
Deliver Double-Digit Inventory Reductions, while Improving Service
Decades of experience show that going straight for inventory is the quickest, surest way to a high-performing supply chain. Inventory sits at the heart of the network. It is both a symptom and a cause of performance. Get inventory right and you’ll delight customers (OTIF↑), increase flow, reduce cost and waste, and free up cash.
At Axisto, we combine pragmatic management consulting with the high-speed analytics of advanced technology. We rapidly distil insights from ERP, WMS, and APS data; our people focus on the human side of change to implement and sustain resilient, lean, and digital supply chains.
Our approach puts inventory optimisation front and centre—consistently delivering double-digit reductions at speed and low risk, while maintaining or improving service levels.
Inventory Optimisation Programmes
We offer three complementary propositions: Inventory Optimisation Programmes, Inventory Analytics, and Inventory Maturity Assessments.
Quick Scan
This is a typical typical starting point. From just three standard ERP reports, we quantify item-level and total improvement potential. You receive: An immediate, high-level value at stake (stock and service). A practical roadmap for rapid, sustainable improvement
Inventory Optimisation Programmes
We pair expert analytics with effective change management and a clear business case. Improvements of 20%+ inventory reduction in year one (often more) are common, with strong ROI.
Inventory Analytics
Struggling to interpret inventory data—or distrust tool outputs? With our proprietary analytics technology, we deliver rapid, actionable insights.
Targeted exercises include:
• Strategic inventory positioning (where to hold stock in the network)
• Policy setting for hard-to-optimise items (spares, make-to-order, low-volume/high-mix)
• Parameter right-sizing (MOQs, lead times, lot sizes) and master-data hygiene
• Obsolescence & slow-mover reduction; lifecycle and phase-out planning
Inventory Maturity Assessments
Inventory is influenced by almost every function. We benchmark where you stand and where to focus next.
What you get:
• A bottom-up, quantitative view of improvement potential (item by item)
• A top-down, qualitative review of people, process, data, and systems
• Relevant benchmarks and a prioritised, actionable roadmap
Case & Results
Challenge
A medium-sized industrial manufacturer with strong market position and profitability but rising inventory and limited historic focus.
Results
Inventory reduced by >50% from baseline over three years while service levels were maintained or improved. Better data discipline led to stronger understanding and decision-making; inventory management capability grew significantly within client teams.
Some Quotes
“We finally have full transparency of what we have, so we can make fact-based decisions on a weekly basis.” – Automotive manufacturer
“Since starting a programme, we have reduced our inventories by over 50%.” – Industrial manufacturer
“The results are exceptional and have made a major difference to our cash flow.” – Global manufacturing company
“The inventory programme brought a wide range of process issues into sharp focus, with an impact much broader than just inventory.” – Market-leading manufacturer
