The request indicator (RI) is the level of drugs in stock; it indicates when fresh orders should be made. It is the quantity that is calculated to last between the period of placing the order and the delivery of the new consignment.

The RI is marked with pencil in the space “RI” on the top right-hand corner of the stock card. It should be updated at least twice a year because consumption may vary due to seasonal changes or epidemics.

This will ensure that no shortage of stock occurs before the next consignment is expected. The stock should not be allowed to fall below this level before a new order is placed. Each stock card must have an RI that is updated from time to time as consumption varies.

The stock should never reach “zero level” before a request is made, as there will be a shortage of stock for some time. It is easy to calculate the RI once the monthly consumption is obtained.

If the delivery time is three months and the monthly total consumption is 2633.3

RI is: 2633.3 tablets × 3 months = 7,900 tablets

Since the unit of issue is tins of 1,000 tablets, the above figure must be brought to the nearest tin, which is 7,900/1000 = 7.90 = approximately 8 tins

This means that when the stock of paracetamol is reduced to 8 tins, a new request must be made.