Which of the following remains constant while maintaining the same customer service level?

The demand for an item has increasing forecast error, whereas all other factors remain constant.

Which of the following remains constant while maintaining the same customer service level?
A . Reorder point(ROP)
B . Safety stock
C . Inventory investment
D . Safety factor

View Answer

Answer: D

Explanation:

Safety factor is a multiplier that is applied to the standard deviation of demand to determine the safety stock level. Safety factor remains constant while maintaining the same customer service level, as it reflects the desired probability of not stocking out. The higher the safety factor, the higher the customer service level, and vice versa. The other factors do not remain constant while maintaining the same customer service level. Reorder point (ROP) is the inventory level that triggers a replenishment order. ROP increases with increasing forecast error, as more safety stock is needed to cover the demand uncertainty. Safety stock is the inventory that is carried to protect against forecast errors and demand fluctuations. Safety stock increases with increasing forecast error, as more buffer is needed to avoid stockouts. Inventory investment is the total value of the inventory that is held in the system. Inventory investment increases with increasing forecast error, as more inventory is required to maintain the same customer service level.

References: Safety Factor | APICS Dictionary Term of the Day, APICS CPIM 8 Planning and Inventory Management | ASCM