# Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Mic… Review (2026) — 9.2/10 > Independent review of Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course on Udemy. Rated 9.2/10 by our editorial team. Pros, cons, price, and… Business & Management Courses Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course ![Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course](/api/media/file/hero/fundamentals-of-inventory-management-using-microsoft-excel-course.jpg?width=800) # Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course — Review (9.2/10) This Udemy course delivers practical Excel-based inventory management techniques with clear explanations of key concepts like EOQ, safety stock, and COGS. Learners appreciate the structured approach a... Explore This Course Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course is a 6 hours 28 minutes online all levels-level course on Udemy by Ray Harkins, The Manufacturing Academy that covers business & management. This Udemy course delivers practical Excel-based inventory management techniques with clear explanations of key concepts like EOQ, safety stock, and COGS. Learners appreciate the structured approach and real-world applications, though some wish for more hands-on exercises. A solid choice for professionals in supply chain, operations, or small business management. We rate it 9.2/10. ## Prerequisites No prior experience required. This course is designed for complete beginners in business & management. ## Pros - Clear breakdown of inventory types and costs - Practical Excel visualizations and calculations - Strong focus on real-world forecasting methods - Well-structured modules for progressive learning ## Cons - Limited advanced Excel automation or macros - Few downloadable practice files provided - Pacing may feel slow for experienced users ## Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course Review Platform: Udemy Instructor: Ray Harkins, The Manufacturing Academy Updated Apr 25, 2026·Editorial Standards·How We Rate ## What will you learn in Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel course - The costs and benefits of inventory - Types of inventory - Overview of cycle stock, pipeline stock, and safety stock - Data visualizations useful to inventory management and analytics - Inventory on Hand calculations - Common inventory metrics - The basics of inventory accounting - Overview of Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) ### Program Overview ### Module 1: Foundations of Inventory and Accounting Duration: 1h 10m + 1h 9m - Introduction to Inventory Management (1h 10m) - Business Accounting and Inventory (1h 9m) ### Module 2: Demand Forecasting and Cost Analysis Duration: 2h 26m + 54m - Demand Forecasting (2h 26m) - Total Cost of Inventory (54m) ### Module 3: Advanced Inventory Topics and Conclusion Duration: 56m + 13m - Topics in Inventory Management (56m) - Conclusion (13m) ### Get certificate #### Job Outlook - Essential skills for supply chain, logistics, and operations roles - Excel-based inventory analysis is widely used in SMEs and manufacturing - Foundational knowledge applicable to procurement, warehousing, and retail ## Editorial Take Ray Harkins’ course on inventory management using Microsoft Excel offers a practical, accessible path for professionals seeking to improve operational decision-making through data. With a strong foundation in supply chain principles and Excel functionality, it bridges theory and application effectively. ### Standout Strengths - Clarity of Concepts: The course breaks down complex inventory topics like cycle stock, pipeline stock, and safety stock into digestible explanations. Each concept is grounded in real-world relevance. - EOQ Modeling in Excel: Learners gain hands-on experience applying the Economic Order Quantity model directly in Excel. This practical implementation helps solidify understanding of cost trade-offs. - Forecasting Techniques: The demand forecasting section delivers usable methods such as moving averages and exponential smoothing. These tools are essential for predicting inventory needs accurately. - COGS and Accounting Basics: The integration of Cost of Goods Sold and inventory accounting principles adds financial context. This helps learners see inventory as part of broader business performance. - Data Visualization Skills: The course teaches how to build charts and dashboards that make inventory data actionable. Visualizing stock levels and turnover improves decision-making speed. - Structured Learning Path: Modules progress logically from fundamentals to advanced topics. This scaffolding supports retention and builds confidence in applying new skills. ### Honest Limitations - Limited Advanced Excel: While Excel is central, the course avoids complex features like macros or Power Query. Users seeking automation may need supplemental training beyond this scope. - Few Practice Files: The availability of downloadable exercises is limited. More hands-on templates would enhance skill retention and real-world readiness. - Pacing for Experts: Some experienced professionals may find the pace too slow, especially in introductory sections. The course is best suited for beginners or intermediate learners. - Narrow Technical Scope: Focus remains strictly on Excel, not enterprise systems like ERP or WMS. Those working in large-scale logistics may need additional resources. ### How to Get the Most Out of It - Study cadence: Complete one module per week with time for reflection. This allows concepts like EOQ and forecasting to sink in before advancing. - Parallel project: Apply lessons to your workplace inventory if possible. Even simulated data improves retention and relevance of the techniques taught. - Note-taking: Create summary sheets for each module, especially formulas and definitions. These become quick-reference tools for future use. - Community: Join the course Q&A to ask questions and share insights. Other learners often provide helpful tips on Excel implementation. - Practice: Recreate all examples in a blank workbook. Active replication builds muscle memory and deepens understanding of inventory calculations. - Consistency: Stick to a regular schedule. Even 30 minutes daily is more effective than sporadic long sessions when mastering analytical workflows. ### Supplementary Resources - Book: 'Inventory Management Explained' by David Piasecki complements this course with deeper dives into stock optimization and ABC analysis. - Tool: Use Excel templates from Vertex42 or Smartsheet to practice beyond the course examples and explore automation. - Follow-up: Consider 'Supply Chain Analytics' courses to build on forecasting and data-driven decision-making skills. - Reference: The APICS CPIM materials offer professional frameworks that align well with the concepts taught here. ### Common Pitfalls - Pitfall: Skipping the accounting section may lead to gaps in understanding COGS and inventory valuation. These are critical for accurate financial reporting. - Pitfall: Overlooking safety stock calculations can result in stockouts. The course provides the formula—apply it consistently to avoid supply disruptions. - Pitfall: Misapplying forecasting models to unstable demand patterns leads to poor predictions. Always validate assumptions with historical data first. ### Time & Money ROI - Time: At just over six hours, the course fits into a weekend or a few evenings. The time investment yields immediate tools for inventory analysis. - Cost-to-value: Priced affordably, it delivers disproportionate value for operations staff, small business owners, or students entering supply chain roles. - Certificate: The Certificate of Completion adds credibility to resumes, especially for entry-level logistics or procurement positions. - Alternative: Compared to costly certifications, this course offers foundational knowledge at a fraction of the price and time. ### Editorial Verdict This course stands out as a practical, well-structured introduction to inventory management using tools most professionals already have—Microsoft Excel. Ray Harkins, drawing from his experience at The Manufacturing Academy, presents complex supply chain concepts in an approachable way, making it ideal for beginners and intermediate learners alike. The integration of forecasting, cost analysis, and data visualization ensures learners walk away with a holistic understanding of inventory dynamics. While it doesn’t dive into advanced Excel automation or enterprise systems, its focus on foundational principles and real-world applicability makes it a strong choice for small business owners, operations staff, and aspiring supply chain professionals. The lack of extensive practice files is a minor drawback, but the clear explanations and logical flow compensate well. For those seeking to improve inventory decisions without investing in expensive software or certifications, this course offers excellent value and a solid return on time and money. Highly recommended as a starting point in inventory analytics. ## How Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course Compares | Course | Platform | Rating | Level | Duration | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course | Udemy | 9.2/10 | All Levels | 6 hours 28 minutes | | OKR Certification: Leadership and Goal Setting Course | Coursera | 9.9/10 | N/A | N/A | | Agile Healthy And Attractive Organizations Course | Coursera | 9.8/10 | N/A | N/A | | Agile Accelerator Navigating Lean Startup Agile And Scrum Course | Coursera | 9.8/10 | N/A | N/A | ## Who Should Take Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course? This course is best suited for learners with any experience level in business & management. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced professional, the curriculum adapts to meet you where you are. The course is offered by Ray Harkins, The Manufacturing Academy on Udemy, combining institutional credibility with the flexibility of online learning. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate of completion that you can add to your LinkedIn profile and resume, signaling your verified skills to potential employers. If you are exploring adjacent fields, you might also consider courses in Agile & Scrum Courses, AI Courses, Arts and Humanities Courses, which complement the skills covered in this course. ### Career Outcomes - Apply business & management skills to real-world projects and job responsibilities - Qualify for entry-level positions in business & management and related fields - Build a portfolio of skills to present to potential employers - Add a certificate of completion credential to your LinkedIn and resume - Continue learning with advanced courses and specializations in the field ## More Business & Management Courses on Udemy Explore other highly rated courses in business & management available on Udemy to expand your learning path: - Make Passive Income Business: Reselling Digital Portrait 10.0/10 - Lead Management & Sales Stages: A Step-by-Step System 10.0/10 - Negotiation Mastery Win-Win Strategies, Anchoring Persuasion Course 9.8/10 - Succeed in the Age of AI: 12 Fast Wins for Leaders 9.8/10 - Bulletproof Problem Solving Course 9.8/10 - Excel 2010 Course 9.8/10 - The Complete Shopify Dropshipping Course 9.7/10 - Data Quality Masterclass – The Complete Course 9.7/10 - UiPath 2025 – Level 1 RPA Developer Course 9.7/10 - The Real Estate Financial Modeling Bootcamp Course 9.7/10 ## Top Alternatives on Other Platforms Looking for a different teaching style or approach? These top-rated business & management courses from other platforms cover similar ground: - OKR Certification: Leadership and Goal Setting Course 9.9/10 Coursera - Agile Healthy And Attractive Organizations Course 9.8/10 Coursera - Agile Accelerator Navigating Lean Startup Agile And Scrum Course 9.8/10 Coursera - Advanced Marketing Analytics Funnels And Dashboarding Course 9.8/10 Coursera - Brand Management: Aligning Business, Brand and Behaviour Course 9.8/10 Coursera - IBM Business Analyst Professional Certificate Course 9.8/10 Coursera - Xbox Product Manager Professional Certificate Course 9.8/10 Coursera - Microsoft Program Management Professional Certificate Course 9.8/10 Coursera - Adobe Marketing Specialist Professional Certificate Course 9.8/10 Coursera - Introduction to Business Specialization Course 9.8/10 Coursera ## More Courses from Ray Harkins, The Manufacturing Academy Ray Harkins, The Manufacturing Academy offers a range of courses across multiple disciplines. If you enjoy their teaching approach, consider these additional offerings: - Introduction to Reliability Engineering Course 9.4/10 - Basics of Metrology and Calibration Course 9.4/10 - Cost of Quality Analysis and Reporting using Microsoft Excel Course 9.4/10 - From Maker to Manager: 10 Strategies to Advance Your Career 9.2/10 - Root Cause Analysis and the 8D Corrective Action Process 9.2/10 - Business Finance: A Complete Introduction 9.2/10 - Reliability Engineering Statistics (2026) 9.2/10 View all courses from Ray Harkins, The Manufacturing Academy → ## Related Articles & Guides Deepen your understanding with these articles from our editorial team, covering career advice, industry trends, and learning strategies: - Build AI skills with the Google AI Professional Certificate - Python Tutorial: Best Courses to Learn Python in 2026 - CISSP vs CompTIA Security+: Which Cert Should You Pursue? - Coursera Data Analytics Professional Certificate: Worth It in 2026? - Best edX Courses in 2026: Top Picks by Enrollment and Career Value - Best Online Coursera Courses in 2026: What's Actually Worth Your Time - Udemy Online: What the Platform Actually Delivers in 2026 - OKR for Leaders: 7 Best Training Courses Compared (2026) - Generative AI for Marketing with Microsoft 365 Copilot: Professional Certificate Review - The Best React Courses in 2026, Ranked and Reviewed ## Explore All Course Categories Not sure what to learn next? 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Be the first to share your experience! ## FAQs What are the prerequisites for Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course? Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course is designed for learners at any experience level. Whether you are just starting out or already have experience in Business & Management, the curriculum is structured to accommodate different backgrounds. Beginners will find clear explanations of fundamentals while experienced learners can skip ahead to more advanced modules. Does Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course offer a certificate upon completion? Yes, upon successful completion you receive a certificate of completion from Ray Harkins, The Manufacturing Academy. This credential can be added to your LinkedIn profile and resume, demonstrating verified skills to employers. In competitive job markets, having a recognized certificate in Business & Management can help differentiate your application and signal your commitment to professional development. How long does it take to complete Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course? The course takes approximately 6 hours 28 minutes to complete. It is offered as a lifetime access course on Udemy, which means you can learn at your own pace and fit it around your schedule. The content is delivered in English and includes a mix of instructional material, practical exercises, and assessments to reinforce your understanding. Most learners find that dedicating a few hours per week allows them to complete the course comfortably. What are the main strengths and limitations of Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course? Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course is rated 9.2/10 on our platform. Key strengths include: clear breakdown of inventory types and costs; practical excel visualizations and calculations; strong focus on real-world forecasting methods. Some limitations to consider: limited advanced excel automation or macros; few downloadable practice files provided. Overall, it provides a strong learning experience for anyone looking to build skills in Business & Management. How will Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course help my career? Completing Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course equips you with practical Business & Management skills that employers actively seek. The course is developed by Ray Harkins, The Manufacturing Academy, whose name carries weight in the industry. The skills covered are applicable to roles across multiple industries, from technology companies to consulting firms and startups. Whether you are looking to transition into a new role, earn a promotion in your current position, or simply broaden your professional skillset, the knowledge gained from this course provides a tangible competitive advantage in the job market. Where can I take Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course and how do I access it? Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course is available on Udemy, one of the leading online learning platforms. You can access the course material from any device with an internet connection — desktop, tablet, or mobile. The course is lifetime access, giving you the flexibility to learn at a pace that suits your schedule. All you need is to create an account on Udemy and enroll in the course to get started. How does Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course compare to other Business & Management courses? Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course is rated 9.2/10 on our platform, placing it among the top-rated business & management courses. Its standout strengths — clear breakdown of inventory types and costs — set it apart from alternatives. What differentiates each course is its teaching approach, depth of coverage, and the credentials of the instructor or institution behind it. We recommend comparing the syllabus, student reviews, and certificate value before deciding. What language is Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course taught in? Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course is taught in English. Many online courses on Udemy also offer auto-generated subtitles or community-contributed translations in other languages, making the content accessible to non-native speakers. The course material is designed to be clear and accessible regardless of your language background, with visual aids and practical demonstrations supplementing the spoken instruction. Is Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course kept up to date? Online courses on Udemy are periodically updated by their instructors to reflect industry changes and new best practices. Ray Harkins, The Manufacturing Academy has a track record of maintaining their course content to stay relevant. We recommend checking the "last updated" date on the enrollment page. Our own review was last verified recently, and we re-evaluate courses when significant updates are made to ensure our rating remains accurate. Can I take Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course as part of a team or organization? Yes, Udemy offers team and enterprise plans that allow organizations to enroll multiple employees in courses like Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course. Team plans often include progress tracking, dedicated support, and volume discounts. This makes it an effective option for corporate training programs, upskilling initiatives, or academic cohorts looking to build business & management capabilities across a group. What will I be able to do after completing Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course? After completing Fundamentals of Inventory Management Using Microsoft Excel Course, you will have practical skills in business & management that you can apply to real projects and job responsibilities. You will be prepared to pursue more advanced courses or specializations in the field. 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