Practical tips to optimise cash rotation for MSMEs in the steel industry

Cash rotation is a critical aspect of financial management for MSMEs in the steel industry. It refers to the speed at which cash flows in and out of your business and can significantly impact your company's financial health. In this blog post, we will explore practical tips and techniques to optimise cash rotation and ensure the sustainability and growth of your steel business.

Understanding cash rotation in the steel industry
Cash rotation starts when the company buys things they need, like materials and resources. It ends when they sell the finished products and get paid in cash. The time it takes for this cycle to complete determines how much working capital the company needs. Working capital is an MSME's everyday money. It's what they use to pay for running day to day operations of the business.

If it takes a long time for money to go around the cycle, they need a lot of working capital to keep it going. But However, if it is faster, the churn of working capital is quicker. This leads to better operations

Cash rotation is a measure of how efficiently you manage your cash flow. It's different from profitability since you can have profits on paper but still need help with cash flow issues. For MSMEs in the steel industry, understanding this difference is crucial. Seasonality, long customer payments to suppliers and vendors, and market fluctuations can make cash rotation challenging.

The benefits of efficient cash rotation
Efficient cash rotation offers several advantages for small steel businesses. It ensures you have the liquidity to cover operational expenses, invest in growth opportunities, and weather financial storms. By managing your cash flow effectively, you can avoid costly borrowing and late payment penalties, ultimately improving your bottom line.

Common cash flow challenges in the steel industry
Small steel businesses often face specific cash flow challenges. Seasonal demand can lead to uneven cash inflows, while long customer payment terms can tie up your working capital. Additionally, the steel market's volatility can create uncertainty, making it challenging to predict cash flow accurately.

Practical tips for optimising cash rotation

Negotiating favourable payment terms with suppliers: Work with your suppliers to negotiate better payment terms. Extending payment terms while maintaining good relationships can free up cash for other uses.

Example: Suppose you run a small steel fabrication business, and one of your key suppliers offers standard payment terms. This means you have 10 days to pay your supplier after receiving the materials. However, you negotiate with the supplier to extend the payment terms to net-30 days. This adjustment gives you extra time to sell the fabricated products and receive payment from your customers before settling your supplier invoice.

Efficient inventory management: Monitor your inventory closely to avoid overstocking or understocking. Both scenarios can tie up cash unnecessarily. Utilise just-in-time inventory practices when possible.

Example: Through careful analysis of historical sales data and market trends, you identify that certain steel products have higher demand during specific seasons. You adjust your inventory levels accordingly, stocking up on those products before the peak season hits and reducing inventory during the off-season. This practice prevents excess capital from being tied up in surplus inventory, allowing you to use the cash more efficiently in other areas of your business.

Leveraging technology: Implement technology solutions for invoicing and payment processing. Digital invoicing and online payment options can speed up cash inflow.

Example: Instead of sending paper invoices to customers and waiting for checks in the mail, you implement an online invoicing and payment system. This allows you to send invoices electronically, and customers can conveniently pay via credit card or electronic funds transfer. As a result, you receive payments faster, reducing the gap between delivering your services and receiving cash.

Diversifying revenue streams: Explore diversification strategies within the steel industry or consider complementary business lines to create additional income sources.

Example: To diversify revenue, you can decide to offer custom steel fabrication services to meet the unique needs of various industries. By doing so, you tap into new markets and income streams.

Financial tools and resources:
Consider using financial tools to help manage your cash flow effectively. Software for cash flow forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis can provide valuable insights into your business's financial health. Additionally, government programs or industry associations may offer support and resources for steel businesses.

Conclusion
Optimising cash rotation is essential for the financial health and sustainability of MSMEs in the steel industry. By understanding the challenges unique to this sector and implementing practical tips and techniques, you can ensure your business thrives in favourable and challenging economic environments.