# Days of Inventory for Cabinet Hardware

Canonical: https://millbase.ca/blog/days-of-inventory-for-cabinet-hardware
Author: [Coby Birenbaum](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cobybirenbaum/)
Published: 2026-10-19
Updated: 2026-10-19
Archive edition: 2026-09-17

Days of inventory estimates how long stock would last under a chosen demand rate.

Days of inventory estimates how long stock would last under a chosen demand rate. It is useful for repeat-use hardware when demand is reasonably interpretable. Custom project requirements and reservations can make a simple average misleading.

## State the assumptions

- Use usable, relevant stock rather than every physical piece.
- Choose calendar or working days consistently.
- Separate committed requirements from general demand.
- Review the demand period and known upcoming changes.

## Worked example

An illustrative available balance of 100 hinge pairs at ten pairs per working day represents ten working days of coverage. If an already-released job needs 80 pairs tomorrow, the average does not capture the immediate requirement unless that demand is included.

## Review the decision

Use coverage together with supplier lead time, incoming orders, and shortage risk. It should support replenishment review rather than automatically authorize a purchase.

## Related reading

- [Tracking Cabinet Hardware in Pairs, Pieces, and Boxes](https://millbase.ca/blog/tracking-cabinet-hardware-in-pairs-pieces-and-boxes)
- [Inventory Management Software for Woodworking: What to Track First](https://millbase.ca/blog/inventory-management-software-for-woodworking-what-to-track-first)

## Definitions and further reference

- [Oracle: inventory management explained](https://www.oracle.com/scm/inventory-management/what-is-inventory-management/)

## How Millbase can help your shop

### Connect material records to the cabinet job

When a component shortage or material change affects a job, start with the recorded stock and the work it supports. [Millbase inventory](https://millbase.ca/#inventory) keeps quantities, material costs, receipts, stock lots, and usage history together. Use [project tracking](https://millbase.ca/#projects) to review the associated labour and material costs, then reconcile the physical material before making a new commitment.

Ask the [Millbase AI agent](https://millbase.ca/#how-it-works) a question grounded in your workspace records. For example: *“What inventory records do we have for this material, and what usage is recorded against this project?”* You can select a project or worker, ask follow-up questions, and request [supported reports and CSV exports](https://millbase.ca/#insights).

Use the answer to locate the relevant records and investigate the exception. A physical count, approved specification, or supplier confirmation still establishes facts that have not been recorded.

## Explore the wider topic

For the broader workflow and decisions behind this guide, read [Inventory Turnover for Project-Based Woodworking](https://millbase.ca/blog/inventory-turnover-for-project-based-woodworking).

## Frequently asked questions

### Can coverage be calculated for dormant stock?

With zero demand, the usual division is not meaningful. Flag the item for a different review instead of reporting an arbitrary number.

### Should reserved stock be included?

Match the stock definition to the demand definition. Avoid counting a commitment in demand while also treating its reserved material as freely available.