ArticlesWhat Availability Should I Target? Optimizing Parts Availability Without Excess Inventory Costs

What Availability Should I Target? Optimizing Parts Availability Without Excess Inventory Costs

Striking the Right Balance: Optimizing Parts Availability Without Excess Inventory Costs

Authored By: Eric Francucci

In the ever-evolving landscape of automotive aftersales, parts availability remains the single most important driver of Dealer Parts Managers' satisfaction with OEMs. With rising customer expectations and supply chain disruptions, manufacturers are investing heavily in inventory to maintain service levels. But what defines “good” availability? And how can companies achieve high fill rates without excessive costs?

This article by Ducker Carlisle explores the key metrics that define parts availability--Facing Fill, System Fill, and Backorder Percentage--and how industry leaders are shifting strategies post-COVID. With system fill rates typically ranging from 95% to 98.5%, even a small increase can translate into massive inventory investments. Through benchmarking, supplier management, and data-driven decision-making, organizations can optimize their availability targets while maintaining cost efficiency.

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