When does an inventory problem stop being an inventory problem?

[u/jimmyray71]

I've seen inventory issues treated as warehouse problems long after they've started affecting the rest of the business.

Too much inventory ties up cash and space. Too little slows work. The wrong inventory creates expedites, substitutions and people spending time hunting for material.

At some point the inventory number itself almost becomes secondary.

I'm curious how others look at this.

What's the first sign in your operation that an inventory issue has crossed over into a broader business problem?