Quantity and timing are separate checks
A positive gap tells you to examine a shortage. It does not tell you when a shipment can reach your customer. Ask about preparation and shipping for the current reference and destination before agreeing to a deadline.
An incoming piece arriving too late may not cover an immediate requirement. Record that timing issue rather than hiding it inside a number.
Review after a meaningful change
Useful triggers include a confirmed new request, a stock count correction, goods arriving, a cancelled requirement or a supply change. You do not need a fixed weekly purchase simply because the calendar has moved.
Recent completed sales can help you decide what to watch, but they do not guarantee future demand. There is no automatic forecasting model or universal safety-stock rule here.
Ask before you promise
Accepted quantities, current availability, preparation, printing and shipping may change between restocks. Confirm the current offer instead of carrying over a previous order’s price or timing.
If the uncovered requirement cannot be met in time, discuss the situation and possible alternatives with the customer. Buying another batch does not itself resolve a delivery constraint.
Check the inputs.
- Active demand rechecked
- Stock count current
- Incoming arrival considered
- Preparation and shipping confirmed
- Customer timing agreed realistically