ABC-FSN Analysis

Combining annual value with movement to prioritize control.

Definition

Combining annual value with movement to prioritize control. This reference is designed for practical industrial stores, MRO, production and materials-management environments.

Objective

Prioritize inventory using both annual consumption value and movement frequency.

Scope

Apply the method at item, category, location or plant level as appropriate. The control should connect planning, purchasing, stores transactions, physical verification and management review.

Required Inputs

  • Annual value
  • issue frequency
  • review period
  • item master.

Methodology

  1. Define the business requirement, scope and review period.
  2. Validate item master, consumption, stock and open transaction data.
  3. Calculate or classify using the defined method.
  4. Compare the result with criticality, supplier constraints and future demand.
  5. Assign an action owner, due date and review frequency.
  6. Monitor KPI movement and revise parameters when conditions change.

Formula / Control Logic

Build ABC class, build FSN class, then analyze combinations such as AF, AS, AN, CF, CS, CN.

Worked Industrial Example

An AN item is high-value but non-moving and deserves a different review from a CF fast-moving low-value item.

Decision Rules

  • Use combination to focus review.
  • Do not automatically dispose of AN items; verify criticality and future demand.
  • Set action rules by matrix cell.

Industrial Controls

  • Authorized master-data and parameter changes
  • ERP transaction discipline and document traceability
  • Physical verification and reconciliation
  • Exception reporting with named ownership
  • Periodic management review of ageing, service and capital exposure

KPIs

Service

Availability, fill rate and stock-out performance.

Accuracy

Book-to-physical reliability and transaction quality.

Capital

Turnover, coverage, ageing, excess and dead stock.

Common Errors

  • Using ABC alone.
  • Assuming non-moving means obsolete.
  • No future-demand check.

Excel / MIS Application

Useful fields: Item Code, Description, UOM, Opening Qty, Receipt Qty, Issue Qty, Closing Qty, Unit Rate, Annual Consumption, Current Stock, Open PO, Lead Time, Safety Stock, ROP, Min, Max, ROQ, ABC, VED, FSN, Ageing, Action.

Management Review Questions

  • Which items require action now, and why?
  • Are open orders aligned with actual requirement?
  • Which exceptions are recurring and what is the root cause?
  • Which parameter should be changed, and what evidence supports the change?

Related Inventory References

Professional practice: A calculation is a control aid, not a substitute for engineering judgement, approved policy, physical verification or business-risk assessment.