Dashboards for Inventory Management: Epicforce Tech’s Strategic Layout Tips
Dashboards for Inventory Management: Epicforce Tech’s Strategic Layout Tips
Blog Article
Introduction: Inventory Is Only as Smart as Its Dashboard
Managing inventory in real time requires more than spreadsheets and static reports. You need dashboards that are intuitive, real-time, and actionable—ones that highlight critical KPIs without overwhelming your team.
At Epicforce Tech, we design inventory dashboards that combine functionality with clarity. Whether you’re tracking stock levels, turnover rates, or order fulfillment accuracy, the right layout can make all the difference between reaction and strategy.
In this blog, we share our best practices for designing inventory dashboards that work for warehouse teams, operations managers, and supply chain leads alike.
Why Inventory Dashboards Matter (More Than Ever)
In today's supply-chain-pressured environment, visibility is key. A well-structured dashboard allows companies to:
Spot low-stock items before shortages
Track slow-moving inventory and free up capital
Monitor supplier performance and order delays
Reduce overstock, stockouts, and fulfillment errors
???? Companies using real-time inventory dashboards report up to 30% better inventory accuracy and 25% reduction in carrying costs.
Epicforce Tech’s Inventory Dashboard Design Principles
Over the years, we’ve helped companies in manufacturing, distribution, and retail implement dashboards that actually drive action. Here's our proven layout strategy:
1. ???? Start with KPI-Driven Design
Dashboards must answer specific questions. That’s why we start by asking:
What decisions will users make using this dashboard?
What KPIs support those decisions?
How often do users need updates (real-time, daily, weekly)?
Key Inventory KPIs to include:
| KPI | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Stock on Hand | Prevents stockouts or overstocking |
| Inventory Turnover Rate | Tracks product movement efficiency |
| Days of Inventory on Hand | Forecasts how long current stock lasts |
| Order Fulfillment Rate | Measures service level effectiveness |
| Dead Stock / Slow Movers | Identifies cost-draining inventory |
???? Epicforce Tech Tip: Limit your KPI count to 5–8 per view to avoid overload.
2. ???????????? Segment by User Role
Different roles require different perspectives:
Warehouse Staff need real-time pick/pack/ship statuses
Inventory Managers need historical trends and reorder alerts
Executives need summarized metrics and profitability impact
We design role-specific dashboards or use filters and tabs to tailor views—so each user gets exactly what they need.
3. ???? Visual Hierarchy for Fast Scanning
Users should get insights at a glance. That’s why layout matters.
Best practices we apply:
Top-left: high-level KPIs (current stock levels, critical items)
Center: trend graphs (inventory value over time, turnover)
Bottom: detailed tables for drill-down (SKU-level details, supplier performance)
Use color indicators (green/yellow/red) for thresholds
???? Use whitespace and grouping to reduce cognitive load.
4. ???? Real-Time Integration with ERP
We connect dashboards directly to Epicor via:
BAQs for real-time data retrieval
REST API endpoints for custom feeds
Power BI or Excel Add-ins for layered reporting
Role-based permissions for secure access
???? This ensures users always work with the most current inventory data—no outdated exports.
5. ???? Filters and Interactivity
Static dashboards are limiting. We design for interaction:
Filter by location, product category, or supplier
Toggle date ranges or compare time periods
Drill down into low-stock alerts or high-velocity SKUs
Export data slices for further offline analysis
????️ Dashboards should invite exploration—not just display.
Real-World Layout: Strategic Inventory View
Here’s a simplified breakdown of a layout we use for clients:
Top Bar: Summary KPIs
Total Stock Value
Number of SKUs
Reorder Alerts
Inventory Turns (last 30/60/90 days)
Middle Section: Visual Insights
Inventory Aging Bar Chart
Stock-out Risk Heatmap
Slow vs. Fast Movers Line Graph
Supplier Fulfillment Rate Pie Chart
Bottom: Actionable Tables
Reorder Recommendations
Overstock List
Returns/Damaged Inventory
Backorder vs. Fulfilled Orders
???? With this layout, inventory managers can make purchasing, stocking, and supplier decisions—all in one place.
Epicforce Tech's Process for Dashboard Implementation
Here’s how we take you from idea to execution:
1. Discovery & Stakeholder Interviews
We align dashboards with actual decision-making processes.
2. BAQ & Data Source Mapping
We identify where the data lives and how to structure it.
3. Layout Wireframing
We draft dashboards with visuals, filters, and flow.
4. Iterative Build & Feedback
We deploy in sprints—ensuring end users test and refine.
5. Rollout + Documentation
We train teams and create guides for full adoption.
???? Bonus: We integrate dashboards into Epicor Kinetic home screens or launchpads for zero-friction access.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Inventory Dashboards
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Too many KPIs | Prioritize by business outcome |
| Static data | Integrate live ERP sources |
| No filters | Add role-specific interactivity |
| Complex visuals | Use clean, clear layouts |
| No training | Include quick-start guides for users |
Conclusion: Clarity Beats Complexity
Inventory dashboards should do more than look good—they should drive better stocking decisions, reduce waste, and improve service levels. That only happens when they’re designed with intent, precision, and the end user in mind.
At Epicforce Tech, we don’t believe in templates—we build dashboards that speak your business language.
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