Oil in the Gears: Resolving Inventory Inefficiencies at Fast Track Distribution

Abstract

The effectiveness of a supply chain depends heavily on inventory management, especially for distribution firms that work in fast-paced, demand-sensitive sectors. The inventory and warehouse issues that FastTrack Distribution, a mid-sized lubricant distributor in Pakistan, faces are examined in this research. FastTrack's reliance on antiquated systems, manual procedures, and assumption-based demand forecasting, despite its expanding market share, results in dead stock, stockouts, oil leaks, and ineffective warehouse operations. The highlighted gap is the absence of technological integration and organized, data-driven inventory processes, which have an impact on customer happiness and operational effectiveness. This was addressed using qualitative methodology consisting of secondary research, process mapping, interviews and site observations. The analysis found critical inefficiencies in product handling, demand planning and stock management. Based on these results, the project provides all the solutions, including installation of a warehouse management system (WMS), FIFO based stock rotation, accurate demand forecasts, optimized warehouse layout, dead stock clearance and employee training. The goals of the recommendations include reducing waste, increasing inventory visibility, optimizing warehouse operations and improving supply chain responsiveness. This project also provides useful advice regarding inventory control issues faced by other distribution businesses and in addition, it provides a road map for improving FastTrack's operations.