For building material distributors in Canada, managing inventory in transit is a critical part of maintaining supply chain efficiency and customer satisfaction. Inventory in transit refers to goods that have left the supplier or warehouse but have not yet reached their final destination. Without proper tracking, this inventory can become “invisible,” leading to stock inaccuracies, delays, and lost sales. Buildix ERP provides integrated solutions to track inventory during transit, helping distributors maintain control and visibility throughout the supply chain.
Why Tracking Inventory in Transit Matters
Inventory in transit can represent a significant portion of total stock, especially for building materials with long shipping times. Lack of visibility into this inventory can cause:
Misleading stock levels and inaccurate reorder decisions
Delays in order fulfillment and project timelines
Increased risk of lost or damaged goods
Inefficient allocation of warehouse space and resources
Accurate transit tracking helps distributors plan better, respond faster to disruptions, and improve overall supply chain reliability.
Tools for Tracking Inventory in Transit
GPS and Telematics Tracking
GPS devices on transport vehicles provide real-time location data, enabling Buildix ERP users to monitor shipments continuously. This data helps estimate arrival times and detect delays early.
RFID Tags
Attaching RFID tags to pallets or containers allows automated scanning at transit checkpoints. These scans update inventory status in Buildix ERP, confirming location and movement without manual input.
Barcode Scanning
Barcodes scanned during loading and unloading offer a simple, cost-effective method to track goods. Integration with Buildix ERP updates inventory records instantly.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
EDI facilitates automated communication between suppliers, carriers, and distributors, sharing shipment status updates and delivery confirmations that feed into the ERP system.
Mobile Apps and Driver Portals
Apps enable drivers to capture proof of delivery, report issues, and update shipment status in real-time, directly syncing with Buildix ERP.
Techniques to Improve Transit Inventory Management
Define Clear Transit Status Categories
Establish standard statuses such as “In Transit,” “Delayed,” “Delivered,” or “Damaged” within Buildix ERP to classify shipments accurately.
Automate Alerts and Notifications
Set up automated alerts for late deliveries or exceptions to enable proactive responses and minimize disruptions.
Collaborate Closely with Carriers
Share tracking information with transportation partners to improve transparency and coordination.
Perform Regular Audits
Compare expected versus actual arrival dates and quantities to identify discrepancies and improve forecasting.
Leverage Data Analytics
Analyze transit times, delays, and loss rates using Buildix ERP’s analytics tools to optimize routing and carrier selection.
Benefits of Effective Inventory in Transit Tracking
Improved inventory accuracy and availability
Enhanced customer satisfaction through timely deliveries
Reduced stockouts and overstocking risks
Better resource planning and warehouse management
Increased supply chain resilience and agility
Conclusion
Tracking inventory in transit is a vital capability for building material distributors aiming to optimize their supply chains and improve service levels. With Buildix ERP’s integrated tools and real-time data visibility, Canadian distributors can maintain control over goods moving through the supply chain, reduce risks, and ensure projects stay on schedule. Investing in transit inventory tracking technology is a strategic move toward more efficient, transparent, and reliable building materials distribution.
