LEAD TIME PLANNING CHECKLIST Use this checklist to evaluate whether your current packaging planning process is helping you avoid disruptions or quietly creating unnecessary costs.
FORECASTING & DEMAND PLANNING
INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
☐ We maintain a rolling demand forecast for our packaging components. ☐ Packaging forecasts are reviewed and updated at least monthly. ☐ Our procurement and operations teams use the same demand assumptions. ☐ We account for seasonal demand, promotions, and new product launches. ☐ We share demand forecasts with key packaging suppliers.
☐ We know our inventory levels in real time. ☐ We have established reorder points for critical packaging components. ☐ Safety stock levels are based on actual risk rather than guesswork. ☐ We regularly review slow-moving and excess inventory. ☐ We understand the carrying cost of our packaging inventory.
SUPPLIER COLLABORATION
LEAD TIME STRATEGY
☐ Our packaging supplier provides visibility into production schedules and lead times. ☐ We communicate upcoming demand changes before placing purchase orders. ☐ Our supplier proactively identifies potential supply risks. ☐ We have contingency plans for high-risk packaging items. ☐ We view our supplier as a planning partner, not just an order taker.
☐ We know the lead times for all critical packaging components. ☐ We identify long-lead items before they become production risks. ☐ We avoid placing packaging orders only when inventory is already low. ☐ We build additional planning time into launches and seasonal programs. ☐ We regularly review supplier performance against expected lead times.
YOUR RESULTS 14–20 CHECKS Strong foundation. Your planning processes are helping reduce risk and improve supply chain performance. Continue refining forecasting and collaboration to stay ahead of demand.
7–13 CHECKS Room for improvement. While you have key processes in place, there are opportunities to strengthen planning, reduce emergency orders, and improve operational efficiency.
0–6 CHECKS High risk. Reactive planning may be increasing costs through expedited freight, production disruptions, excess inventory, and missed customer commitments. Improving your planning process could have a significant impact on both profitability and service levels.
gamer@gamerpackaging.com
WANT A SECOND OPINION ON YOUR PACKAGING PLANNING STRATEGY? Whether you're preparing for a product launch, managing seasonal demand, or looking to reduce supply chain risk, we can help identify opportunities to improve performance beyond packaging costs alone. Schedule a Packaging Supply Chain Assessment to discuss your current process and uncover practical ways to reduce lead time risk, lower total costs, and keep production moving. CO N TAC T U S
612.788.4444
www.gamerpackaging.com