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industrial cleaning supplies in Ottawa

How to Audit Your Janitorial Supplies Inventory Before the Next Budget Cycle

Keeping track of cleaning products may not feel like a strategic priority, but inefficient inventory management can drain budgets and slow down maintenance operations. At Roy Turk Industrial Sales Ltd, we’ve seen clients struggle with inconsistent stock levels, overpurchasing, and expired chemicals. 

A routine audit will ensure your facility always has the right janitorial supplies on hand without tying up cash in unused items. Here’s how we recommend approaching your following inventory assessment.

Inventory Issues That Cost Time and Money

Busy maintenance teams often reorder supplies reactively when they run out. This can lead to emergency purchases at higher prices, duplication of similar products, and unexpected stockouts that delay cleaning tasks. 

Overstocking is another problem; cases of floor finish wax or boxes of disposable gloves sit unused in storerooms, taking up space and tying up budgets. A structured audit helps you understand current stock, consumption patterns, and any discrepancies that might be costing your organization money.

How to Assess Current Janitorial Supplies Stock

Start by compiling a list of all janitorial products currently in use, including degreasers, disinfectants, paper goods, tools, and equipment. Record the quantities on hand, expiry dates, and storage locations. Evaluate product condition—are any chemicals past their shelf life or stored improperly? 

Check whether duplicate items are serving the same purpose. Involve front-line cleaning staff in the audit; they can identify which items are essential and which are seldom used. Once you have an accurate inventory, compare it to purchasing records to identify over- or under-stocked categories.

Benefits of Sourcing From Janitorial Supplies Distributors in Canada

Working with a local supplier streamlines procurement and reduces uncertainty. Vendors who specialize in janitorial supplies in Canada understand regional regulations, shipping timelines, and product availability. They stock WHMIS-compliant products with bilingual labelling and can offer guidance on proper storage and usage. Buying domestically also reduces the risk of supply chain disruptions and shortens delivery lead times. At Roy Turk Industrial Sales Ltd, we work closely with facility managers to tailor product lists and delivery schedules to each site’s needs.

Forecasting Usage Based on Building Size and Occupancy

A good audit looks forward as well as back. Analyze usage data by comparing product consumption to factors like square footage, number of occupants, and cleaning frequency.

A high-traffic retail space will use more floor cleaner and disinfectant than a small office suite. Consider seasonal variations too; winter months may require more matting and salt remover, while summer may call for increased odour control. Once you understand your baseline demand, you can project how much of each item to order for the next budget cycle.

Restocking Schedules and Supplier Communication

Regular, smaller orders help maintain cash flow and the freshness of inventory. Establish reorder points for high-use items to ensure you never run out, but avoid overstocking. Communicate your consumption patterns to your supplier; they can help schedule deliveries, reserve stock, and suggest alternatives if a product is back-ordered. We encourage clients to plan quarterly or semi-annual reviews with us to adjust product mix, evaluate new options, and remove discontinued items.

Conclusion – Optimize Procurement With Regular Audits

Auditing your janitorial supplies may take time, but the payoff is significant. You’ll reduce waste, avoid rush orders, and gain a clearer picture of how your cleaning budget is spent. By working closely with a trusted supplier, forecasting demand, and sticking to a restocking schedule, you can streamline procurement and ensure your facility runs smoothly.

Contact Roy Turk Industrial Sales Ltd to learn how we can support your following inventory review and provide tailored solutions for your cleaning needs.