Inventory Management — The Right Way to Track Your Stock

What is Cash Flow?

Cash flow is the net difference between cash entering (inflow) and leaving (outflow) your business. A business can be profitable on paper but still fail if cash is not available when needed to pay suppliers, employees or unexpected expenses. This is the single biggest reason small businesses fail.

Remember: Profit and cash are not the same thing. When you sell on credit, profit is recorded but cash does not arrive.

Cash Inflows and Outflows

Cash Inflows

• Cash received from product or service sales
• Collection of outstanding receivables
• Bank loans or investor funds
• Asset sales

Cash Outflows

• Stock or raw material purchases
• Employee salaries
• Rent, electricity, utilities
• Loan repayments
• Supplier payments

Positive vs Negative Cash Flow

Positive: Inflows > Outflows. Cash is growing. Business is healthy.

Negative: Outflows > Inflows. Cash is shrinking. Action needed.

Temporary negative cash flow is normal (e.g. buying extra stock before Eid), but sustained negative cash flow means the business cannot survive long-term.

Strategies to Improve Cash Flow

Control Credit Sales

Excessive credit sales show profit but leave no cash. Set a credit limit for each customer. Follow up regularly on outstanding balances.

Extend Supplier Payment Terms

Negotiate longer payment terms with suppliers. If you currently pay in 7 days, try to extend to 30 days.

Offer Early Payment Discounts

Incentivize customers to pay faster with small discounts (e.g. 2% off if paid within 7 days). This accelerates cash inflow.

Defer Non-Essential Spending

During a cash crunch, postpone machinery purchases, renovations and other discretionary expenses.

Keep an Emergency Reserve

Always maintain a cash reserve equivalent to 1–3 months of operating expenses.

What is a Cash Flow Statement?

A cash flow statement shows all cash that came in and went out during a period. Learn more: Cash Flow Statement — Wikipedia

• Operating activities: Cash from daily business operations
• Investing activities: Cash from buying or selling assets
• Financing activities: Cash from borrowing or repaying loans

Track Cash Flow with Amar Hishab

When every income and expense is recorded in Amar Hishab, you can instantly see your current cash balance, what customers owe you and what you owe suppliers. Monthly and annual reports provide a complete picture of your business cash flow at any time.

For financial guidelines and banking regulations in Bangladesh, visit Bangladesh Bank.