Financial Reports Features and Functions
Financial Reports: Once data has been input into Inventory, users will probably need to review slices of that data to determine if costs are in line, where costs are being incurred, and how those costs compare against other benchmarks.
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On-line Query Functionality
On-line Query Functions: While most sophisticated reporting systems can generate just about any form of report required, Users in larger organizations should not have to generate specific reports, but be able to query specific pieces of information that might be of use to them in their job. This question lists such reports. Given the power of report writers, the most important piece of information here is whether the system already supports such reports, or whether the information has to be programmed via some form of report writer.
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Quick Item Snapshot
Quick Item Snapshot: Another form of query might be called a quick snapshot of any item. Here the user just wants to review some of the more important pieces of information concerning an item in a single screen. Perhaps the most important factor is whether the user has the ability to define their own snapshot fields that will be included in this screen display (or printed).
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Inventory Activity Report
Inventory Activity Report: Some managers want to know what is moving into and out of inventory. If this is important, their system should have the ability to print such a list. Some might call this by another name such as a Status Report.
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Lead Time Analysis
Lead Time Analysis: All items whether they are purchased or manufactured require a certain lead time to place into stock. Given the fact that lead times will vary, users should be reviewing lead times to make sure they are not increasing with no action being taken by the user. This question tries to identify specific instances where a lead time analysis might be warranted.
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Bill of Materials Reports
Bill of Materials Reports: There are three main reports concerning Bills of Materials. The single level report, multi-level report where all items are listed, and finally an indented report that indents each level as it appears.
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Where Used Report
Where Used Report: If the cost or cost increase or availability of a component or sub assembly might create a problem for a user, there are really two problems with which users must deal. The source problem (cost or availability) as well as the production or pricing of all of the finished goods items using that component or sub assembly. A Where Used report helps users identify each of the sub assemblies or finished goods items that contain the single component or sub assembly. Once each of those items have been identified, the user will be in a better position to determine a final solution. The final piece of information that a user might want to know is which customers seem to be ordering the finished item so they can be contacted and a decision made as to what might be done.
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Engineering Change Reports
Engineering Change Reports: Engineering change reports track each instance where an engineering change will affect one or more Bills of Materials. A history report is not unlike a complete audit trail while the other report lists all changes that are pending, but not yet activated.
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Inventory Analysis
Inventory Analysis: Considering the fact that many companies sell inventory as their only means of generating profits (i.e. that is their business), the information required to formulate improved marketing plans, or increase gross profit percentages, or reduce losses is probably contained in the inventory records. If this is the case, the analysis of inventory is one of the most important forms of analysis which can be made. There are a large number of factors that might be important to any particular company. This question deals with a few. If interested, companies should pursue this question further in more depth.
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Financial Reports (General)
Financial Reports (General): There are any number of reports that can be generated based on Inventory activity or status. This question lists some of the more common types of reports.
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Inventory Features and Functions
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