Baca artikel ini dalam Bahasa Indonesia: 7 Strategi Ampuh untuk Memperbaiki Arus Kas Perusahaan (Bagian 2)
In Part 1 we covered the first three strategies: a 13-week cash forecast, faster collection of receivables and scheduled supplier payments. Part 2 continues with four strategies that deal with the company's cost structure and financing.
Strategy 4: Control inventory
For trading and manufacturing businesses, inventory is often where the most cash is tied up. Stock sitting in the warehouse has been paid for but has not earned anything yet.
- Group items by how fast they sell. Put working capital into fast movers and cut back purchases of slow movers.
- Set reorder points from average sales and supplier lead times, not guesswork.
- Count stock regularly and reconcile it to the records. Differences left unresolved make reports and purchasing decisions unreliable.
- Clear slow-moving stock with discounts or bundles. Cash today is often worth more than full margin later.
Strategy 5: Review and reduce fixed costs
Fixed costs are paid every month, busy or quiet. The bigger their share, the more exposed cash flow becomes when sales slow down.
- Review every subscription and contract each quarter: software, rent, insurance and services. Cancel what is no longer used.
- Compare the cost of in-house teams with the alternatives. For functions such as bookkeeping and payroll, outsourcing can turn a fixed cost into a more flexible one.
- Track costs by department or project with tracking categories in Xero, so you can see which parts of the business absorb the most cash.
Strategy 6: Build a cash reserve
A cash reserve buys time when the unexpected happens: a major customer pays late, a machine breaks down or seasonal sales dip.
- Set a reserve target, for example a few months of fixed costs, in line with the risks of your business.
- Keep it in a separate account so it does not get spent on day-to-day operations.
- Set cash aside for known obligations, such as monthly taxes and the annual religious holiday allowance (THR), before they fall due, so they do not disrupt operating cash.
Strategy 7: Choose the right financing
Financing is not a sign of failure when it is used well. Problems start when the type of financing does not match the need.
- Use short-term financing, such as a working capital facility, for short-term needs like inventory and receivables.
- Use long-term financing for long-term assets such as machinery and vehicles. Buying large assets out of operating cash squeezes liquidity.
- Apply before it becomes urgent. Banks and investors look at your financial statements and cash forecast. Tidy, timely reports improve your chances and your terms.
Start with numbers you can trust
All seven strategies depend on one thing: bookkeeping that is accurate and up to date. Without it, cash forecasts, aged receivables and cost analysis are guesswork. Logiframe's accounting outsourcing team helps companies tidy up their books in Xero and prepare monthly reports, so cash decisions are made from the right numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How big should a company cash reserve be?
There is no single number for every business. Many companies aim for a reserve equal to a few months of fixed costs, adjusted for their risks and sales pattern.
When should a company apply for working capital financing?
Before the need becomes urgent. Lenders look at financial statements and the cash forecast, so tidy and timely reports help a great deal.