Design And Implementation Of An Automated Inventory Control System For A Manufacturing Organization

INTRODUCTION
An inventory control system contains a list of orders to be filled and then
prompts workers to pick the necessary items, and provides them with
packaging and shipping information. Inventory control may be used to
automate sales order fulfilment process and also manage in and outward
material of hardware. Automation is the replacement of human workers by
technology. For optimal sales and inventory management process, robust
functionality is needed for managing logistics facilities. Warehouse
management functions for inventory control cover internal warehouse
movements and storage and its support helps in the recording and tracking
of materials on basis of both quantity and value.
This application takes care of all supply orders reducing cost for
warehousing, transportation while improving customer service. It
significantly improves inventory turns, optimizes flow of goods. It also
improves cash flow, visibility and decision making providing efficient
execution of tasks using this fast and reliable computerised method

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The Nigerian Breweries PLC was established in the year 1946. It aims at
providing satisfaction and nourishment to the Nigerian population through
the distribution of drinks like beer, coca-cola, fanta, sprite etc. It is second to
none and for this reason, the demand is high and the company responds to
the increasing demand by stabilizing supply to strike a balance.
Justifiably, the company has the problem of keeping adequate record of
goods transfer and since it is done manually, associated problems of
insecurity, high cost of operation and delay in supply arise. Data processing
in Nigerian Breweries PLC is presently carried out using people, pens, and
paper to control stock and inventory.
The design and development of an automated inventory control system for
the Nigerian Breweries PLC will no doubt bring immeasurable relief from
the problems associated with the manual system.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The Nigerian Breweries PLC is to an extent manually operated and reveals a
number of problems.
 The recording of sales and cash received are done manually on a book
that appears rough. Thus, the books are exposed to physical damage,
information can be lost and dust particles are accumulated.
 The long list of supply orders waiting to be attended to on daily basis.
 The control system is time consuming, less accurate and less efficient,
and the environment is not user friendly.
 Inaccuracies often ensue from human error.
The manual system is quite tedious and can be reduced or eliminated with
the introduction of the proposed system.1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The purpose of this study is to improve current operational process in the
Nigerian Breweries PLC to its full capacity by developing efficient
computer software that can handle inventory in a computerised fashion.

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study is primarily aimed at increasing efficiency in operations, reducing
maintenance and running cost, monitoring the supply of goods and its
distribution and increase profit in the Nigerian Breweries PLC by
introducing an automated inventory control system.

1.5 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The main objective of this study is to develop a computerised inventory
control management system. Others include;
i. It provides total asset visibility.
ii. It allows reduced inventory stocking levels giving full inventory
history.
iii. It reduces lead time, shelf space, and errors due to damage, fatigue of
staff and overall cost of operations.
iv. It facilitates “just in time” deliveries.
v. It provides full process control for products.
vi. It provides higher level security as the system would be passworded
to prevent unauthorised access.
vii. It shortens cross docking time and speeds up sort/pick up rate.
viii. It helps the management plan, monitor, optimize resources and
ascertain their financial position at any time.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The scope of this study covers the Nigerian Breweries PLC as a whole, and
its customers which include retailers, distributors and the general public.

1.7 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
This project was constrained by the following factors:
(a) Financial Constraints
Bearing in mind the economic state of the nation, it was found difficult in
making both ends meet, because of the exorbitant nature of things nowadays
in travelling for the collection of data needed for the project.
(b) Time Constraints
Looking at the interval between the resumption and vacation of the final
semester for the project to be completed, the time given seemed to be short
for the collection of required information for better work to be done.
(c) Non-Availability of Material
During this project, it was noticed that the required materials needed for the
project are not documented. Those that were documented lacked storage
facilities where they can be reached.

1.8 DEFINITION OF BASIC CONCEPTS
Automation: This is the use of technology or computers to control and
process data reducing the need for human intervention.
Database: This refers to a large store of related data on a computer that a
user can access and modify.
Password: This is a secret code that must be entered into a computer to
enable access to its applications. It is made up of numbers, letters, special
characters or a combination of any of the above categories.
Inventory Control System: A list of orders to be filled, and prompts
workers to pick the necessary items and provides them with packaging and
shipping information.
Computerization: This is the conversion of a manually operated system to
a controlled, organized and automated system.
Research: A careful study of a subject to discover facts, establish a theory
or develop a plan of action based on the facts discovered.
System: A set of computer components functioning together.
Technology: The study of techniques of mobilizing resources such as
information for accomplishing objectives that benefit man and his
environment.Software: A computer program or set of instructions that direct a computer
to perform processing functions.
Information System: A collection of procedures, people, instructions and
equipment to produce information in a useful form.
Processing: This is dealing with something according to an established
procedure.