Meaning
Financial model quantifies the total expense of holding goods in storage before they are sold or used in manufacturing. In an inventory carrying cost calculation companies combine the price of the warehouse space, the insurance premiums, and the cost of the capital tied up in the assets. Most calculations also include a factor for estimated shrinkage or potential spoilage during the storage period.
Direct Expense
Rent and utility bills provide the easiest figures to insert into the inventory carrying cost calculation. These out of pocket payments represent the physical price of keeping the lights on in a distribution center. Smaller firms often neglect maintenance and labor costs when performing their initial assessments.
Opportunity Assessment
Capital remains the most significant hidden component of the final percentage. Funds locked in slow-moving items are not available for research or expansion projects. Calculating this lost potential helps executives decide if buying in bulk is truly cheaper than more frequent small orders.
Risk Factor
High technology sectors include a significant factor for obsolescence within the inventory carrying cost calculation. If an item becomes worthless after six months the price of holding it increases dramatically every week. Regular updates to the formula ensure it remains accurate as market conditions shift.