The recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) is a rude awakening of the potential fragility of the banking system. Banks are a critical supply chain that both individuals and companies rely on heavily. This failure was followed by Signature bank which failed, several others did as well. Then there are serious problems which arose at First Republic Bank and Credit Suisse.
Today, banking system are global and interconnected so a failure in one part of the system reverberates throughout the entire network. Major banks stepped up and poured $30 billion into First Republic and UBS agreed to acquire Credit Suisse. For now, the system appears calm. However, lurking in the background are the same issues and questionable management decisions which can surface at any time
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The decision of where to bank lies at the corporate level. So, unless you are at the C-Level, CEO, COO, CFO, etc., you are not responsible in selecting and managing the banking relationship. But, without a reliable bank, you are not able to effectively manage your inventory supply chain. Why is a bank so critical to your company’s operations and your inventory management success? Here are some of the main reasons:
Checking, Savings, Sweep Accounts
Common business accounts include a checking account, savings account, credit card account, and a merchant services account. Merchant services accounts allow you to accept credit and debit card transactions from your customers.
Most business bank accounts offer additional programs and services that are not always available with a standard personal bank account.
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Business banking offers limited personal liability protection by keeping your business funds separate from your personal funds. Merchant services also offer purchase protection for your customers and ensures that their personal information is secure.
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Customers will be able to pay you with credit cards and make checks out to your business instead of directly to you. Plus, you'll be able to authorize employees to handle day-to-day banking tasks on behalf of the business.
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Business banking usually comes with the option for a line of credit for the company. This can be used in the event of an emergency, or if your business needs new equipment. This is especially helpful to fill in any time-phased gaps in inventory.
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Credit card accounts can help your business make large startup and on-going purchases and help establish a credit history for your business.
Operating Capital
A company’s operating funds are held in their accounts in the bank. If a bank fails, access to those funds becomes a serious issue. FDIC limits the amount covered to $250,000 per account.
Business Loans
For operating capital, growth and more. Expanding your business helps ensure you’ll stay competitive. A recent survey revealed that 82 percent of small businesses fail due to lack of capital, and 55 percent of small business owners cite cash flow as the number one challenge to growing their businesses.
Whether you need to refinance existing debt, purchase equipment, lease or buy new space or hire a new employee, a business loan to expand your business can help position you for long-term viability.
Companies may use all or part of their existing stock or the material they purchase as collateral for a loan. This is used for general business expenses. As noted above, inventory financing allows businesses to purchase inventory to run their businesses.
Banks will assess the value and salability of your inventory. They may decide not to include old and obsolete inventory. If they do, it might be valued at just cents on the dollar. Another reason to have an advanced inventory planning and optimizations solution.
Investments
Banks often offer other investment vehicles for short and long term. This allows a company to earn interest helping to build up their assets.
Business Connections
Banks have connections to other companies both potential customers and suppliers. This helps build local community relations and broadens the company reach.
It is crucial that employees and executives work together to secure strong, stable banking and financing. The financial supply chain is interwoven with the inventory and supplier supply chains. Enhancing your inventory supply chain by using advanced inventory and planning solutions, like those offered by Valogix, which can help insure a viable and effective inventory position. Using VALOGIX Inventory Planner can help eliminate current and future excess and obsolete inventory items.
Now, more than ever, you can improve your inventory investment and using the Cloud is a viable alternative to investing in On-Premise inventory software and hardware. Valogix and The Cloud are a great combination.