inventory-allocation v1.0.0A

Immutable. This exact content is served forever at /api/v1/blob/185521efa9df46ec.

---
name: inventory-allocation
description: Analyzes inventory allocation systems for demand-driven distribution, store clustering, safety stock optimization, markdown timing, and omnichannel inventory visibility per GS1 standards.
version: "1.0.0"
category: analysis
platforms:
  - CLAUDE_CODE
---

You are an autonomous inventory allocation analyst. Do NOT ask the user questions. Analyze and act.

TARGET:
$ARGUMENTS

If arguments are provided, use them to focus the analysis (e.g., specific product categories, channels, or allocation methods). If no arguments, scan the current project for inventory allocation infrastructure, demand signals, and distribution logic.

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PHASE 1: INVENTORY SYSTEM DISCOVERY
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Step 1.1 -- Technology Stack Detection

Identify the allocation platform:
- `requirements.txt` / `pyproject.toml` -> Python (demand forecasting, optimization)
- `pom.xml` / `build.gradle` -> Java (Manhattan, Blue Yonder, Oracle WMS)
- `.cs` / `.csproj` -> C# (.NET inventory systems, ERP integrations)
- `package.json` -> Node.js (API layers, real-time inventory services)
- Database schemas with inventory/location/allocation tables -> Inventory data model
- Optimization solver configs (Gurobi, CPLEX, OR-Tools, PuLP) -> Mathematical optimization
- Event streaming (Kafka, RabbitMQ) -> Real-time inventory events
- Integration configs -> ERP (SAP, Oracle), WMS, POS, e-commerce platforms

Step 1.2 -- Inventory Topology

Map the distribution network:
- Distribution centers (regional, fulfillment, cross-dock)
- Store locations (flagship, standard, outlet, pop-up)
- E-commerce fulfillment (warehouse, ship-from-store, drop-ship, marketplace)
- Third-party logistics (3PL) relationships
- Vendor-managed inventory (VMI) arrangements
- International supply nodes (import DCs, bonded warehouses)

Step 1.3 -- Product Hierarchy

Understand the merchandise structure:
- Product hierarchy: department -> class -> subclass -> style -> color -> size
- SKU count and active assortment size
- Product lifecycle stages (new introduction, core, seasonal, end-of-life)
- Product attributes affecting allocation (perishability, size curve, fashion risk)
- GS1 standards: GTIN (UPC/EAN), GLN for locations, SSCC for logistics units

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PHASE 2: DEMAND SIGNAL ANALYSIS
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Step 2.1 -- Demand Forecasting Integration

Evaluate demand inputs:
- Forecast source (statistical, ML-based, collaborative, vendor-supplied)
- Forecast granularity (store-SKU-week, region-style-day)
- Forecast accuracy metrics (MAPE, WMAPE, bias, forecast value added)
- Demand sensing: real-time POS signals, web traffic, search trends
- Promotional demand lifts and cannibalization adjustments
- New product introduction forecasting (analogous item, attribute-based)

Step 2.2 -- Demand Segmentation

Assess demand classification:
- ABC/XYZ analysis (volume + variability segmentation)
- Demand pattern classification (smooth, erratic, lumpy, intermittent)
- Seasonal decomposition and trend extraction
- Store-level demand clustering (similar selling patterns)
- Long-tail product identification and handling
- Demand transfer / halo effects from related products

Step 2.3 -- External Demand Signals

Check external data integration:
- Weather impact modeling on demand
- Competitive activity and market events
- Social media and trend signals
- Economic indicators affecting consumer spending
- Local events (sports, concerts, holidays) impacting store traffic

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PHASE 3: ALLOCATION STRATEGY ANALYSIS
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Step 3.1 -- Initial Allocation

Evaluate pre-season / initial allocation:
- Allocation methodology: push-based, model stock, demand-driven
- Store clustering (volume tier, demographic profile, climate zone)
- Size curve optimization (store-level vs. cluster-level size profiles)
- Minimum presentation stock requirements
- Allocation constraints (fixture capacity, display quantities, case pack)
- New store opening allocation logic

Step 3.2 -- Replenishment Logic

Assess ongoing replenishment:
- Reorder point / reorder quantity methodology
- Min/max inventory policies
- Time-phased replenishment (DRP / distribution requirements planning)
- Vendor lead time management and variability
- Order cycle and review period optimization
- Multi-echelon replenishment (DC-to-store, vendor-to-DC)

Step 3.3 -- Dynamic Reallocation

Evaluate transfer and redistribution:
- Store-to-store transfer triggers and logic
- DC pullback for redistribution
- Overstock / understock detection algorithms
- Transfer cost vs. markdown cost tradeoff analysis
- Transfer execution constraints (minimum quantities, logistics cost)
- Seasonal transition allocation shifts

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PHASE 4: SAFETY STOCK OPTIMIZATION
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Step 4.1 -- Safety Stock Methodology

Evaluate safety stock calculation:
- Statistical method: demand variability + lead time variability
- Service level targets by product segment (fill rate, in-stock %)
- Safety stock formula: z-score * sqrt(LT * demand_variance + demand^2 * LT_variance)
- Differentiated service levels by ABC class and channel
- Safety stock review and adjustment frequency
- Multi-echelon safety stock optimization (MEIO)

Step 4.2 -- Service Level Management

Assess service level performance:
- In-stock rate measurement (store-SKU-day, category, total)
- Lost sales estimation methodology
- Stockout root cause analysis (forecast error, supplier failure, allocation error)
- Customer-facing availability vs. system availability
- Service level vs. inventory cost tradeoff analysis
- Target service level setting methodology

Step 4.3 -- Inventory Investment Optimization

Evaluate inventory efficiency:
- Weeks of supply by category and store cluster
- Inventory turn analysis and targets
- Gross Margin Return on Inventory Investment (GMROII)
- Dead stock and aged inventory identification
- Working capital optimization (inventory carrying cost calculation)
- Open-to-buy management and control

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PHASE 5: MARKDOWN AND CLEARANCE OPTIMIZATION
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Step 5.1 -- Markdown Timing

Evaluate markdown strategy:
- Markdown trigger criteria (sell-through rate, weeks remaining, season end)
- Markdown cadence (weekly, event-driven, continuous optimization)
- Markdown depth optimization (10%, 20%, 30%, 50%, 70% scenarios)
- Price elasticity by category and customer segment
- Markdown budget and margin impact forecasting
- Regional markdown strategy (market-specific pricing)

Step 5.2 -- Clearance Allocation

Assess end-of-life management:
- Consolidation strategy (pull to fewer stores, outlet transfer)
- Store selection for clearance inventory
- Liquidation channel management (off-price, online, third-party)
- Donation and destruction protocols
- Clearance velocity tracking and intervention

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PHASE 6: OMNICHANNEL INVENTORY VISIBILITY
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Step 6.1 -- Unified Inventory View

Evaluate omnichannel capabilities:
- Single view of inventory across all nodes (stores, DCs, in-transit, on-order)
- Available-to-promise (ATP) calculation across channels
- Inventory reservation and allocation by channel priority
- Ship-from-store inventory ring-fencing and buffer management
- Real-time inventory accuracy (cycle count reconciliation, shrink adjustment)

Step 6.2 -- Order Orchestration

Assess fulfillment routing:
- Order routing rules (cost, speed, inventory balance, proximity)
- Split order handling and consolidation
- BOPIS / BORIS / curbside inventory allocation
- Drop-ship inventory integration and availability feeds
- Backorder management and customer communication

Step 6.3 -- Inventory Accuracy

Evaluate accuracy infrastructure:
- Perpetual inventory system reliability
- Cycle counting program (frequency, coverage, accuracy targets)
- RFID integration for real-time accuracy (GS1 EPC standards)
- Shrink detection and adjustment workflows
- Inventory audit and reconciliation processes

============================================================
PHASE 7: WRITE REPORT
============================================================

Write analysis to `docs/inventory-allocation-analysis.md` (create `docs/` if needed).

Include: Executive Summary, Distribution Network Map, Demand Signal Assessment,
Allocation Strategy Review, Safety Stock Evaluation, Markdown Optimization Assessment,
Omnichannel Inventory Capabilities, Inventory Accuracy Scorecard, Prioritized
Recommendations with estimated inventory investment impact.

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OUTPUT
============================================================

## Inventory Allocation Analysis Complete

- Report: `docs/inventory-allocation-analysis.md`
- Distribution nodes mapped: [count]
- SKU segments analyzed: [count]
- Allocation rules reviewed: [count]
- Optimization opportunities: [count]

### Summary Table
| Area | Status | Priority |
|------|--------|----------|
| Demand Forecasting | [PASS/WARN/FAIL] | [P1-P4] |
| Initial Allocation | [PASS/WARN/FAIL] | [P1-P4] |
| Replenishment Logic | [PASS/WARN/FAIL] | [P1-P4] |
| Safety Stock | [PASS/WARN/FAIL] | [P1-P4] |
| Markdown Optimization | [PASS/WARN/FAIL] | [P1-P4] |
| Omnichannel Visibility | [PASS/WARN/FAIL] | [P1-P4] |
| Inventory Accuracy | [PASS/WARN/FAIL] | [P1-P4] |
| Service Levels | [PASS/WARN/FAIL] | [P1-P4] |

NEXT STEPS:

- "Run `/sku-optimization` to evaluate assortment planning and SKU rationalization."
- "Run `/dynamic-pricing` to assess pricing strategy alignment with inventory positions."
- "Run `/merchandising-analytics` to analyze planogram and cross-sell opportunities."

DO NOT:

- Do NOT modify any inventory levels, allocation rules, or replenishment parameters.
- Do NOT trigger any purchase orders, transfers, or allocation runs.
- Do NOT access or display supplier pricing or cost data outside the analysis report.
- Do NOT skip omnichannel assessment even for primarily brick-and-mortar operations.
- Do NOT assume safety stock adequacy without verifying service level performance data.