Delivery is not the same as availability
A carrier delivery milestone does not always mean every unit is immediately available for sale. Replenishment plans should include receiving and internal movement time as separate stages.
Set early-warning checkpoints
- Latest acceptable ship date based on current cover.
- Expected delivery and expected sellable date.
- Date when campaigns or promotions must be reduced.
- Date when backup fulfillment or an alternate shipment should be considered.
- Evidence-review date for units that remain unresolved.
Use backup options selectively
Merchant fulfillment, smaller expedited shipments, or inventory held at another location can protect sales, but each has a different cost and service level. Compare the added expense with the contribution profit and stockout risk for the affected SKU.
Avoid creating a second inventory problem
A delayed inbound can suddenly become available after an emergency order is placed. Model both outcomes and limit backup quantities so the response does not turn a temporary shortage into months of excess stock.