📦 Understanding Stock Position
The Stock Position is the total inventory number that Optiply uses to calculate your purchasing advice.
It represents not just what is currently sitting on your shelves, but also what is already on its way. By looking at this "big picture" number, Optiply ensures you don't double-order items that have already been purchased but haven't arrived yet.
The Calculation Formula
The Stock Position is calculated using a simple formula:
Stock Position = Free Stock} + Incoming Deliveries
The Two Components
Free Stock:
This is the inventory currently in your warehouse that is available for sale.
Note: This typically excludes stock that is "Reserved" or allocated to existing customer orders, ensuring you only count what is truly free to use.
Source: This data is pulled directly from your webshop or WMS integration.
Incoming Deliveries (Incoming Stock):
This represents the quantity of goods that you have already ordered from your suppliers but have not yet received.
Source: This data is derived from the Open Purchase Orders within Optiply or your system.
How Optiply Uses This Number
Optiply compares your Stock Position against the Order Up To level (your target) to determine what needs to be bought.
If
Stock Position<Order Up To→ Optiply advises a new order.If
Stock Position$\ge$Order Up To→ No order is needed.
Example:
You need 100 units (Target).
You have 40 on the shelf (Free Stock).
You have 60 coming next week (Incoming).
Stock Position = 100.
Advice: 0 (Because 40 + 60 covers the need).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if my Free Stock is negative (Backorders)?
If your Free Stock is negative (e.g., -10 because you owe 10 units to customers), Optiply includes this negative number in the calculation. This effectively lowers your Stock Position, triggering a larger purchase advice to cover the deficit.
Does Stock Position include blocked or quarantine stock?
Usually, no. "Free Stock" implies sellable inventory. If you have damaged or blocked stock in your warehouse, your integration should typically exclude it from the "Free Stock" number sent to Optiply.
Why is my Stock Position higher than my physical stock?
This is normal if you have open purchase orders. The Stock Position counts the "Incoming Deliveries" to prevent overstocking. If you physically have 10 units but have ordered 100, your Stock Position is 110.
How often is this number updated?
The "Free Stock" is updated every time your integration syncs (usually nightly or hourly, depending on your plan), while "Incoming Stock" updates instantly whenever you create or receive a purchase order in Optiply.