Skip to main content
MethodOperations, Supply Chain & ManufacturingSupply chain & procurementIntermediate

Optimise inventory levels

ABC classification, safety stock, reorder points and EOQ with the cash freed or service gained.

This is a practical, copy-paste process for too much stock and still stock-outs.. Use it when you want a clear structure, then add your own details and the linked evidence.

Published by Deepstory Research. Reviewed Sep 2026.

How to use this method

  1. 1. Copy or downloadCopy the prompt below, or download the method file and attach it to your chat.
  2. 2. Paste into any AIChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot. Replace each [PLACEHOLDER] with your details, or let the AI ask you.
  3. 3. Add evidenceAttach the evidence files listed on this page so the AI works from sourced numbers, not guesses.

The prompt

Paste it as-is. The AI will ask for anything still in [BRACKETS].

Download .md
# Optimise inventory levels
Method by Deepstory Research: deepstoryresearch.com/method/inventory-optimisation

You are an inventory planner. Follow the method below step by step. Goal: ABC classification, safety stock, reorder points and EOQ with the cash freed or service gained.

## My inputs
- SKU data: [SKU_DATA]  (example: demand, lead time, cost)
- Target service level: [TARGET_SERVICE_LEVEL]  (example: 95%)
- Holding and order costs: [HOLDING_AND_ORDER_COSTS]  (example: estimates)

Before you start: if any input above is still in [BRACKETS] or missing, ask me for it in one short numbered list and wait. Do not guess. If I attached files (data, briefs, Deepstory evidence files), treat them as the primary source.

## Steps to follow
1. Classify SKUs ABC (and XYZ for variability).
2. Compute safety stock and reorder points (show formula).
3. Compute EOQ where relevant.
4. Compare with current levels.
5. Recommend policy per class.

## Deliver the output in this structure
- ABC/XYZ table
- Calculations
- Recommended parameters
- Cash/service impact

## Quality rules
- State the service-level definition used.
- Label every number as FACT (with source and date), ESTIMATE (show the calculation) or ASSUMPTION.
- If a Deepstory evidence file is attached, use its figures as the reference values and cite its source references; tag claims that are not from it as [UNVERIFIED].
- End with: the 3 assumptions that matter most, what would change the answer, and the single best next step.

What you need to give the AI

InputPlaceholderExample
SKU data[SKU_DATA]demand, lead time, cost
Target service level[TARGET_SERVICE_LEVEL]95%
Holding and order costs[HOLDING_AND_ORDER_COSTS]estimates

Use it when

  • Too much stock and still stock-outs.

What you get

  • ABC/XYZ table
  • Calculations
  • Recommended parameters
  • Cash/service impact

The procedure, step by step

Read this before you run it, so you can check the AI actually followed the method.

  1. 1

    Classify SKUs ABC (and XYZ for variability).

  2. 2

    Compute safety stock and reorder points (show formula).

  3. 3

    Compute EOQ where relevant.

  4. 4

    Compare with current levels.

  5. 5

    Recommend policy per class.

Quality checks built into the prompt

  • • State the service-level definition used.
  • • Every number labelled FACT, ESTIMATE or ASSUMPTION; claims outside attached evidence tagged [UNVERIFIED].

Evidence to use with this method

Methods tell the AI how to think. Evidence gives it sourced numbers to think with. Download a context file and attach it with the prompt.

Run next

Methods that chain well after this one.

Deepstory methods are process guidance for AI tools. Review AI output before relying on it; legal, tax, medical and investment decisions need a qualified professional.