In this episode of the Industrial Manufacturing and Consumer Goods Podcast, Mike Piotrowski and Corey York dive deep into inventory optimization — one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, levers in working capital management.

They explore why inventory sits at the intersection of finance, operations and customer service, and how optimizing it can free up cash, reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction. This episode also covers warning signs of poor inventory management, practical steps for improvement and real-world examples of successful inventory optimization.

This is the second episode in a five-part series on optimizing working capital. Stay tuned for more actionable insights!

Listen to learn more about:

• The critical role of inventory in working capital optimization
• Warning signs of inventory management problems
• Four key components for inventory improvement: Demand forecasting, stock keeping unit (SKU) rationalization, reorder points/safety stock and purchasing alignment
• Common challenges across industries and how to address them
• Practical steps to start optimizing inventory today
• The future of inventory management, including technology, data and process improvements

POCs
Mike Piotrowski, Senior Manager, CFO Advisory
Corey York, Senior Manager, CFO Advisory

Related Insights:

• Article: Working Capital Strategies: 7 Steps To Improve Cash Flow in Manufacturing Businesses
• Podcast: Industrial Manufacturing and Consumer Goods Podcast: Working Capital Optimization Explained