What is the difference between reorder level and reorder quantity?

The reorder level is the stock level of an item at which a business should order new supplies, while the reorder quantity is the number of items to be ordered.

Reorder Level of Stock | Definition, Formula and Examples

Q: What is reorder level of stock?

The reorder level of stock is the fixed stock level that lies between the maximum and minimum stock levels. At the reorder stock level, an order for the replenishment of stock should be placed.

Q: What are the factors involved when fixing the reorder level of stock?

It includes materials consumption rate, margin of safety, normal delivery time (or lead time), minimum stock level to be maintained, cost of storage and interest on capital used in materials and provision for emergencies (e.G., Supply chain disruptions)

Q: What is the formula for reorder level of stock?

Reorder level of stock = maximum consumption per day/per week etc. X maximum delivery time

Q: What is the other formula that can be used for reorder level of stock?

Reorder level of stock = minimum stock + average consumption during normal delivery time

Reorder Level of Stock: Definition

The reorder level of stock is the fixed stock level that lies between the maximum and minimum stock levels. At the reorder stock level, an order for the replenishment of stock should be placed.

In other words, the reorder stock level is the level of inventory at which a new purchase order should be placed.

The reorder level of stock is generally higher than the minimum level to cover any emergencies that may arise as a result of abnormal usage of materials or unexpected delay in obtaining fresh supplies.

Fixing the Reorder Level of Stock

The factors involved when fixing the reorder level of stock include:

Materials consumption rate

Margin of safety

Normal delivery time (or lead time)

Minimum stock level to be maintain

Cost of storage and interest on capital used in materials

Provision for emergencies (e.g., supply chain disruptions)

Formula for Reorder Level of Stock

The reorder level of stock is calculated using the following formula:

Reorder level of stock = Maximum consumption per day/per week etc. x Maximum delivery time

Another formula that can be used is:

Reorder level of stock = Minimum stock + Average consumption during normal delivery time.

Choosing which formula to use depends on the information you are given in a problem.

When calculating the reorder level of stock, it is worth noting that it is revised periodically by considering the factors that are likely to change supply and demand for goods.

Example

This example shows how to calculate the reorder level of stock.

For a company, the maximum consumption is 15,000 units per week, while the maximum delivery time is 10 weeks.

The formula for the reorder level of stock is the following:

Re-order Level = Maximum per day/per week etc. x Maximum delivery time

Therefore, the calculation can be performed as follows:

15,000 units x 10 weeks = 1,50,000 units.

Ordering Level and Minimum Stock Level

Some accountants do not differentiate between the ordering level and the minimum stock level, but others draw a distinction between the two.

The ordering level is lower since, when it is fixed, no allowance is made for the margin of safety.

The difference between the concepts is illustrated in the following diagram.

Illustration of Ordering Level and Minimum Stock Level

In the above diagram:

CD = Minimum stock (or safety stock)

E = Reorder point

DE = Lead time usage (consumption of materials during the time taken to procure fresh supplies)

AB = Economic order quantity, which is ordered when stock falls to point E. When the stock level falls to point F, the next shipment arrives, thereby increasing stock to point G.

Reorder Level of Stock FAQs