Which statement about pharmacy inventory strategies is true?

• A. Ordering only when you use up the bottle does not account for seasonal fluctuations
• B. Ordering early always saves money
• C. Inventory should never be adjusted for demand changes
• D. Monthly ordering is always the best approach

Answer: (A)

Planning inventory in pharmacy hinges on forecasting demand and maintaining safety stock to cover variability and lead times. Ordering only when a bottle is empty is a reactive approach that ignores seasonal fluctuations, so you can run out during peak demand and end up with rushed, costly orders or expired stock. Maintaining some buffer and using reorder points helps ensure availability even as demand shifts with seasons, promotions, or changes in prescriptions.

Ordering early doesn’t always save money because extra stock increases holding costs and the risk of expiration or obsolescence. Inventory must also be adjusted for demand changes, since ignoring shifts leads to overstock or stockouts. Monthly ordering isn’t universally best either; the best cadence depends on demand variability, supplier lead times, and product shelf life.