Dunkin Donuts Inventory Management

Dunkin' Donuts' store managers calculate weekly inventory and labor usage manually. Within 24 hours the inventory report is sent to the Dunkin Donuts operating department and the operation managers analyze inventory for each store. As soon as the physical stock-check completes they send to the Mid Atlantic distribution center for final approval.


The system keeps the record of previous week’s inventory. Upon the launch of a new product, the main headquarters notifies each store of the ingredients needed and the anticipated quantity necessary to satisfy demand.

The system also monitors inventory usage during the current week and records labor cost. Managers need to maintain high standards while offering even higher performance. Inventory is carefully watched every day since fluctuations in sales are a major aspect of the business. Managers have the ability to add on cases of products up to 24 hours prior to their weekly delivery. It is important to note that franchise owners do not have to follow a specific ordering formula, for they decide how to go about managing their inventory.

Due to the fact that orders are placed and received only once per week, it is imperative that inventory counts are highly accurate. Perishable items are the bulk of their truck and the tossing of food can drastically decrease their profit margin. The use of the FIFO (First in First Out) is one of the most important tools needed to keep inventory and ordering under control.