Demand forecasting and inventory management as requirements for quality assurance in a bakery company

Abstract

This paper is a case study on the influence of inventory management on the results and profitability of a bakery located in the municipality of Nova Iguaçu, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. As a general objective, this study sought to identify the extent to which demand forecasting influences the inventory management of the bakery studied. To this end, the intermediate objectives were to evaluate how demand forecasting is applied, to verify how information on raw material stock levels is managed at the bakery and, finally, to report on how the adoption of a stock control methodology has a positive impact on the quality of service and the bakery's results. The theoretical reference research used a literature review as its methodology, but as far as the case study is concerned, local observations were made and a questionnaire was applied to the operation's manager, comprising ten discursive questions. Based on the analysis of the data collected, the results of the research made it clear how important it is to optimize stocks at the company in order to obtain better results and reduce freight costs, making it financially healthier and, consequently, increasing its profitability. To this end, the need for theoretical and technical knowledge, updating, integration of information, stock management strategy and investment in technologies and tools for stock control and management has become apparent.