“Yard space is valuable — and so is working capital. But for many building materials distributors, excess and obsolete (E&O) inventory ties up both. Whether it’s aging lumber, discontinued SKUs, or seasonal products that didn’t move, unproductive stock creates real operational and financial strain.
Left unchecked, E&O inventory can lead to lost margins, wasted yard space, and missed opportunities to invest in high-turning products. But with the right approach, distributors can turn inventory risk into an opportunity for optimization, margin recovery, and smarter buying.
Here’s how to effectively handle excess and obsolete inventory in your distribution yards.
- Identify It Early — With Clear Data Definitions
First, define what “excess” and “obsolete” mean in your business. Then, use system data to flag and categorize stock accordingly.
Tips:
Excess Inventory = SKUs with supply > demand over a 90–180 day period
Obsolete Inventory = Items with zero movement over 6–12 months or discontinued by the vendor
Leverage ERP reports or business intelligence tools to sort by last transaction date, on-hand quantity, and product age
Why It Matters:
What you don’t track, you can’t fix. Regular reporting makes problem inventory visible — and actionable.
- Segment and Prioritize Action Based on Value and Velocity
Not all slow-moving stock is equal. Prioritize based on cost, carrying impact, and potential resale value.
Sort your inventory into categories:
High Value, Low Movement — Target for sales promotions or rep outreach
Low Value, Low Movement — Consider markdowns, bundles, or donation
Seasonal Overstocks — Plan to cycle in next season or move to long-term storage
Discontinued SKUs — Prepare to liquidate before they degrade or expire
Why It Matters:
Segmenting inventory helps tailor your strategy — maximizing recovery while reducing waste.
- Create Clearance and Buyback Programs
Actively promote slow-moving inventory with time-bound promotions or clearance events.
Strategies:
Offer special pricing to contractors willing to take overstocked products
Bundle obsolete or aging items with high-demand SKUs to move both
Ask vendors about buyback programs or swap options for discontinued lines
Why It Matters:
Even at reduced margin, recovering cash and clearing yard space improves ROI and operational flexibility.
- Leverage Internal Transfers Between Branches
What’s excess in one yard may be needed in another.
Action Steps:
Use ERP visibility across branches to identify stock imbalances
Move slow sellers to higher-demand locations before they become obsolete
Coordinate transfers with truck backhauls to save on logistics costs
Why It Matters:
Redistributing inventory within your network increases sell-through and reduces waste.
- Use Digital Tools to Trigger Alerts and Set Thresholds
ERP and inventory management systems can help automate tracking and flag problem SKUs early.
What to Automate:
Stock aging alerts (e.g., 120+ days without movement)
Exception reports showing dead stock trends
Min/max threshold adjustments based on demand velocity
Why It Matters:
Early action reduces markdown pressure later and helps buyers make smarter reorder decisions.
- Rethink Purchasing and Stocking Strategies
Reducing future E&O inventory starts with smarter procurement and forecasting.
How to Adjust:
Review demand history before reordering seasonal or slow-turn SKUs
Negotiate smaller MOQs or consignment options with vendors
Use demand planning tools to model realistic stocking levels
Why It Matters:
Prevention is the best strategy. Don’t repeat what created the overstock in the first place.
- Recycle, Repurpose, or Donate Where Possible
For inventory with no commercial resale potential, responsible disposal is better than letting it rot in the yard.
Options:
Donate materials to nonprofit housing organizations or trade schools
Reuse as packaging, blocking, or temporary fencing
Recycle scrap lumber, metals, or broken pallets
Why It Matters:
Responsible disposal clears space, supports your community, and reduces waste costs.
Conclusion
Excess and obsolete inventory is unavoidable — but unmanageable E&O is not. With the right mix of data visibility, operational discipline, and sales creativity, distributors can convert idle stock into recovered value and leaner operations.
Tackling E&O inventory isn’t just a cleanup effort — it’s a core part of a healthy supply chain strategy.
