Clinic stock reorder point calculator
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Running out of product on the day of a patient is worse than having extra stock, and having too much ties up money and risks expiry. The reorder point balances both sides: it tells you at what quantity to order again. The calculator finds it and shows in how many days your current stock reaches it.
Your data stays in your browser. The starting values are a hypothetical example.
What does each field mean?
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Usage per month | How many units you use in a typical month. |
| Supplier delivery time | Days between the order and arrival, in the common worst case. |
| Safety buffer | Extra days of usage you want to keep in reserve. |
| Current stock | Units available now, within their expiry date. |
How is the calculation done?
- Usage per day = monthly usage ÷ 30.
- Reorder point = usage per day × (delivery time + buffer).
- Coverage = current stock ÷ usage per day.
- When to order = (current stock minus reorder point) ÷ usage per day.
Worked hypothetical example
Hypothetical example: 20 units per month, a 10-day delivery time, a 5-day buffer and 18 units in stock.
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Usage per day | 20 ÷ 30 | 0.67 |
| Reorder point | 0.67 × (10 + 5) | 10 units |
| Current coverage | 18 ÷ 0.67 | 27 days |
| When to order | (18 minus 10) ÷ 0.67 | in 12 days |
When does the calculation need adjusting?
The reorder point assumes constant usage. If your usage has peaks (holidays, campaigns, high season), calculate with the busiest month. If the supplier is often late, increase the buffer or look for a second supplier. Products with a short shelf life call for smaller, more frequent orders, which raises shipping costs but reduces waste. Weigh both costs before deciding the order size.
How do you use the result?
When the supplier's lead time is long, the buffer needs to grow; compare options in the supplier comparison. To see the cost of too much safety stock, use the idle stock cost. And you measure usage per procedure in the material cost per appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the reorder point?
It is the quantity in stock at which you should place a new order, so the product arrives before you run out.
How do you calculate the reorder point?
Multiply daily usage by the sum of the delivery time and the safety buffer days.
What is the safety buffer for?
To cover supplier delays or a rise in usage. The more irregular the usage and the lead time, the larger the buffer should be.