Safety Stock
Buffer inventory held to absorb demand and supply variability.
Also known as: buffer stock
What is Safety Stock?
Safety stock is the buffer inventory a business holds above expected demand to absorb variability — demand spikes, supplier delays, and forecast error — and avoid stockouts. Setting it too low invites lost sales and OTIF penalties; too high ties up working capital in idle stock. The right level is a calculated function of demand variability, lead time, and target service level, not a gut feel.
How Endless handles it
Endless factors demand variability and lead times into safety-stock and reorder recommendations, so buffers are sized to real service targets instead of round numbers.
Related terms
Browse the full commerce operations glossary.
See it on your channels.
Spend your time on the business, not the busywork. Book a demo and watch Endless run your operations across every channel you sell on.
Book a Demo