Inventory reorder process flowchart

Inventory reorder process flowchart

A worked example to adapt. Rename steps, add branches and owners to match how your team actually works.

flowchart TD
  s(["Daily stock check"])
  d1{"Stock at or below reorder point?"}
  ok(["No action today"])
  qty["Calculate order quantity"]
  sel["Select supplier on price and lead time"]
  po["Raise purchase order"]
  rcv["Receive delivery"]
  d2{"Passes inspection?"}
  ret["Return or claim with supplier"]
  upd["Update stock levels"]
  e(["Available to sell"])
  s --> d1
  d1 -->|No| ok
  d1 -->|Yes| qty
  qty --> sel
  sel --> po
  po --> rcv
  rcv --> d2
  d2 -->|Yes| upd
  d2 -->|No| ret
  ret --> po
  upd --> e

About this inventory reorder process flowchart

A reorder point is the stock level that triggers a new order so goods arrive before you run out. This flowchart puts that rule at the top and adds receiving inspection, so damaged or wrong deliveries don't get counted as stock.

It fits retail, e-commerce and small warehouse operations.

Step by step

1. Check. Compare stock on hand with the reorder point.
2. Order. Calculate the order quantity, choose the supplier on price and lead time, and raise a purchase order.
3. Receive. Count the delivery against the purchase order.
4. Inspect. Failed items go back to the supplier and are re-ordered.
5. Update. Accepted stock is added to inventory and becomes available.

How to make it in flow-chart.io

1. Start from the example. Edit the text in the generator box above so it names your own products and suppliers, then press Generate. The free preview needs no sign-up.
2. Add the branches. Add the decision points that matter for you, for example preferred supplier out of stock? or partial delivery?. Each decision becomes a diamond with labeled outcomes.
3. Assign owners. Save the diagram to the editor (free account) and rename steps to show who does what: inventory planner, buyer and warehouse team.
4. Share or export. Share a read-only view link: people with the link can view the diagram but not edit it. Downloads as PNG, SVG or PDF are part of Flow Pro (see pricing).

Tips

• Base the reorder point on demand during supplier lead time plus safety stock.
• Record partial deliveries so the purchase order stays open.
• Review reorder points when demand changes seasonally.

Frequently asked questions

How is a reorder point calculated?

A common formula is average daily demand times lead time in days, plus safety stock.

What happens with a partial delivery?

Add a decision after receiving that keeps the purchase order open for the missing quantity.

Can I make my own version?

Yes. Edit the steps in the generator box and press Generate.

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