Revision NotesExam QuestionsPast Papers
GCSEBusinessEdexcelRevision Notes2. Building a Business2.3 Making Operational DecisionsWorking with Suppliers

Working with Suppliers (Edexcel GCSE Business) : Revision Note

Lisa Eades

Written by: Lisa Eades

Reviewed by: Steve Vorster

Updated on

Interpretation of bar gate stock graphs

  • A Bar Gate Stock Control diagram illustrates the flow of stock (inventory) into and out of a business over time

Example Bar Gate Stock Graph

Graph showing stock levels over 9 weeks with maximum at 1600 units, reorder at 800, and minimum at 400. Includes lead time and buffer stock annotations.
The diagram shows maximum and minimum stock levels, lead time, buffer stock and reorder level over time

Diagram analysis

  • The maximum stock level is the maximum amount of stock a business is able to hold in normal circumstances (1600)

  • The reorder level is the level at which a business places a new order with its supplier (800)

  • The minimum stock level is also known as the buffer stock level and is the lowest level to which a business is willing to allow stock levels to fall (400)

  • The lead time is the length of time from the point of stock being ordered from the supplier to it being delivered (1 week)

  • The stock level line shows how stock levels change over the given time period

    • As stock is used up, a downwards slope is plotted

    • When an order is delivered by a supplier, the stock level line shoots upwards

Worked Example

The diagram below shows stock movements of kitchen shelving units sold by TamFix Ltd.

2-4-3-interpreting-stock-control-diagram

Identify the following points:

  1. the minimum stock level

  2. the re-order level

  3. the re-order quantity

  4. the lead time for kitchen shelving units   

    (4)

Step 1: Identify the minimum stock level

  • The minimum stock level is identified by the bottom-most dotted line. In this case it shows that the minimum stock level is 200 units (1)

Step 2: Identify the reorder level

  • The reorder level is clearly identified on the diagram. In this case, it shows that the reorder level is 500 units (1)

Step 3: Identify the reorder quantity

  • The reorder quantity is the difference between the maximum stock level (shown by the topmost dotted line) and the minimum stock level

equals space 1000 space units space minus space 200 space units space equals space 800 space units (1)

Step 4: Identify the lead time for kitchen shelving units

  • The lead time is the difference in time between an order for stock being placed and its delivery

  • In this case, assuming a five-day working week, the lead time for shelving units is two days (1)

Efficient procurement of raw materials

  • Efficient procurement of raw materials is crucial for ensuring the success of any manufacturing process 

  • There are several factors that can influence the efficiency of raw material procurement 

Important factors in procurement

Diagram illustrating important factors in procurement, including quality, cost, and availability of materials, delivery, and supplier relationship
Factors to consider in procurement include the cost and quality of raw materials, their availability and delivery, as well as the relationship a business has with its suppliers

  • Businesses need to carefully consider these factors when sourcing raw materials to ensure that they can efficiently produce high-quality products at a reasonable cost

Factors that influence the sourcing of raw materials

Factor

Explanation

Example

Quality

  • If the raw materials are of poor quality, then the final product may not meet the desired standards

  • E.g. a construction company may need to procure high-quality steel to ensure the structural integrity of a building.

Delivery

  • Companies need to ensure that their raw materials are delivered on time, at a reasonable cost, and in a reliable manner 

  • Many companies are now using an order and delivery process called just in time

  • E.g. a car manufacturer may need to ensure that their raw materials are delivered on time to avoid delays in production

Availability

  • Companies need to ensure that the raw materials they need are readily available (this is different to delivery on time)

  • E.g. Tesla uses cobalt in their batteries and needs to ensure they have a steady supply of this rare earth metal

Costs

  • Cost is a critical factor in raw material procurement 

  • Companies need to ensure that they are getting the best possible price for their raw materials without sacrificing quality

  • E.g. a textile manufacturer may need to source cotton at the lowest possible price to remain competitive in the market

Trust

  • Companies need to ensure that they are working with reliable suppliers who can deliver quality materials on time and at a reasonable cost

  • E.g. a construction company may need to work with a trusted supplier to ensure that their materials meet safety standards

Just in time stock management 

  • Just in Time (JIT) stock management is a process in which raw materials are not stored onsite but ordered as required and delivered by suppliers 'just in time' to be used

  • Careful coordination is required ensure that raw materials and components are delivered by suppliers at the moment that they are to be used

Advantages and disadvantages of just in time stock management

Advantages

Disadvantages

  • Stockholding costs are minimised

  • Close working relationships are developed with a small number of trusted suppliers

  • Cash flow is improved as money is not tied up in stocks

  • Unused storage space is available for productive use

  • Teamwork is encouraged so employee motivation is likely to be improved

  • Bulk buying economies of scale  are not generally possible

  • The ability to respond to unexpected increases in demand is reduced

  • Administrative costs related to frequent ordering are increased

  • Unreliable suppliers (late or poor quality deliveries) can quickly halt production

  • Significant changes to organisational structure  and production controls are needed

Examiner Tips and Tricks

When answering questions on procurement, consider any case study material provided.

For example, a more reliable supplier could possibly be more expensive, raising  business costs. However, this would reduce the negative impact on branding and customer satisfaction as the business would be able to improve availability of their product and reduce the likelihood of stock costs.

You've read 0 of your 5 free revision notes this week

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

    Test yourself

    Did this page help you?

    Previous:Business OperationsNext:Managing Quality
    Author
    Reviewer
    Lisa Eades

    Author: Lisa Eades

    Expertise: Business Content Creator

    Lisa has taught A Level, GCSE, BTEC and IBDP Business for over 20 years and is a senior Examiner for Edexcel. Lisa has been a successful Head of Department in Kent and has offered private Business tuition to students across the UK. Lisa loves to create imaginative and accessible resources which engage learners and build their passion for the subject.

    Steve Vorster

    Reviewer: Steve Vorster

    Expertise: Economics & Business Subject Lead

    Steve has taught A Level, GCSE, IGCSE Business and Economics - as well as IBDP Economics and Business Management. He is an IBDP Examiner and IGCSE textbook author. His students regularly achieve 90-100% in their final exams. Steve has been the Assistant Head of Sixth Form for a school in Devon, and Head of Economics at the world's largest International school in Singapore. He loves to create resources which speed up student learning and are easily accessible by all.