ERP exports list what sold. Operations need to know whether demand is speeding up or fading. That slope — velocity — drives reorder timing and clearance decisions.
Velocity vs volume
A SKU can show high revenue but falling units per week — margin mix shifted, or a key account slowed. Another line shows modest revenue but accelerating units — stockout risk is closer than finance assumes.
Practical windows
- Short window (2–4 weeks) — detects sudden shifts, promos, weather, project ends
- Medium window (8–12 weeks) — smooths noise for core replenishment
- Long window (6–12 months) — seasonal shape and year-ago comparisons
Compare short vs medium: divergence flags lines that need a decision this week.
What to export from the ERP
At minimum: SKU, date, quantity shipped (or invoiced), warehouse, and returns if material. Without dates at line level, velocity cannot be computed — only snapshots.
Act on trends, not tables
Tag each SKU into buckets: rising / stable / falling velocity. Tie actions to buckets — expedite reorder, hold, or clear — instead of re-litigating every line in a two-hour meeting.