By understanding the root causes of out-of-stocks in store it is possible to identify simple ways to improve on-shelf availability. These two tools enable retailers to identify and assess the issues that cause poor availability.

This assessment tool and guidelines have been developed by ECR UK, and used the expertise of leading retailers to bring together the key elements of best practice in tackling the root causes of poor on-shelf availability.

It focuses on those aspects of store operations which directly relate to on-shelf availability:

• Understanding on-shelf availability in-store
• Replenishment and ordering processes
• Inventory management processes
• Merchandising standards and processes
• Back of store processes.

The assessment tool is designed to help you to understand strengths and opportunity areas in maintaining the availability of product on-shelf. The guide to improving availability considers each of these five aspects in more detail before suggesting possible areas where you can improve.