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Microlesson · 5-min read

Re-Order Level (ROL)

## Re-Order Level (Re-Order Point)

The Re-Order Level is the inventory level at which the company must place its next order for material. It answers the question: "When should we order?"

### Formula 1 (Default)

$$\text{ROL} = \text{Maximum Consumption per day} \times \text{Maximum Lead Time}$$

### Formula 2 (When Safety Stock + Annual Consumption Given)

$$\text{ROL} = (\text{Average Consumption per day} \times \text{Average Lead Time}) + \text{Minimum Stock OR Safety Stock}$$

### Decision Rule (Which formula to use)

SituationFormula
Only max consumption & max lead time givenFormula 1
Minimum stock not given but safety stock given (with annual consumption)Formula 2 (use safety stock)
Minimum stock is given and you used something elseUse Formula 1
Safety stock AND annual consumption givenAlways Formula 2

Worked example

### Example 1

Example (Formula 1): Max consumption = 80 units/day; Max lead time = 7 days.

ROL = 80 × 7 = 560 units

### Example 2

Example (Formula 2): Avg consumption = 60 units/day; Avg lead time = 5 days; Safety stock = 100 units.

ROL = (60 × 5) + 100 = 400 units

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Using average consumption × average lead time when max-max data is available (under-orders, causes stock-out).
  • Forgetting to add safety/minimum stock in Formula 2.
  • Confusing ROL (level at which to order) with re-order quantity (how much to order).
Reference:
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