Improving inventory management efficiency in a 3PL company : a case study of Spectra Logistics (Pvt) Ltd

Abstract

This thesis investigates inventory record inaccuracy (IRI) at Spectra Logistics, a Sri Lankan third-party logistics (3PL) company. Inaccurate records lead to stockouts, excess inventory, and service delays that reduce warehouse efficiency. The study aimed to identify the main causes of these inaccuracies and suggest low-cost, practical solutions. A qualitative case study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with warehouse staff. Thematic analysis revealed key issues such as human error, weak SOP compliance, delayed WMS updates, and insufficient training. The findings show that significant accuracy improvements can be achieved through simple measures like cycle counting with ABC analysis, stronger SOP enforcement, staff training, and better warehouse layout. The research offers practical guidance for 3PL operators and adds to the literature on cost-effective inventory accuracy improvements in emerging markets.