Introduction
Stock Guardian Pro allows you to configure multi-level stock alerts that notify you at different inventory stages. This helps you stay ahead of stock issues and gives you multiple opportunities to reorder before running out. In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up and manage these multi-level alerts.
Understanding Multi-Level Alerts
Multi-level alerts work by setting different thresholds at which you receive notifications. For example:
- Level 1 (Warning): Stock drops below 50 units – gives you early notice
- Level 2 (Critical): Stock drops below 20 units – requires immediate attention
- Level 3 (Emergency): Stock drops below 5 units – urgent reorder needed
This approach provides better visibility and prevents last-minute stock-outs.
Setting Up Multiple Thresholds
Method 1: Global Multi-Level Settings
- Navigate to WooCommerce → Stock Guardian → Settings
- Find the “Multi-Level Alerts” section
- Enable “Use Multi-Level Alerts”
- Set your alert levels:
- Warning Level: First alert threshold (e.g., 50 units)
- Critical Level: Second alert threshold (e.g., 20 units)
- Emergency Level: Final alert threshold (e.g., 5 units)
- Configure notification preferences for each level
- Click “Save Changes”
Method 2: Per-Product Multi-Level Thresholds
For more granular control, you can set different multi-level thresholds for individual products:
- Go to Products → All Products
- Edit the product you want to configure
- Scroll to the “Stock Guardian Pro” meta box
- Enable “Custom Multi-Level Thresholds”
- Set Warning, Critical, and Emergency levels specific to this product
- Click “Update” to save
Configuring Notification Methods
Stock Guardian Pro supports multiple notification methods for each alert level:
- Email Notifications: Receive alerts via email at each level
- Telegram Notifications: Get instant messages on Telegram (requires Telegram integration)
- Admin Dashboard Alerts: Visual alerts in the WordPress admin
- Custom Webhooks: Trigger custom integrations via webhook URLs
Best Practices for Multi-Level Alerts
- Consider Lead Times: Set warning level high enough to account for supplier lead times
- Analyze Sales Velocity: Fast-moving products need higher thresholds
- Account for Safety Stock: Always maintain a safety buffer above your emergency level
- Regular Review: Adjust thresholds based on actual sales data and stock patterns
- Different Products, Different Levels: High-value or critical products may need more aggressive alerting
Monitoring Multi-Level Alerts
Use the Stock Guardian Pro dashboard to monitor alert activity:
- Alert History: View all alerts sent at different levels
- Alert Frequency: Analyze how often each level is triggered
- Response Time: Track how quickly you respond to different alert levels
- Stock-Out Prevention: Monitor if multi-level alerts successfully prevent stock-outs
Example Configuration
Scenario: A product that sells 30 units per week with a 2-week supplier lead time.
- Warning Level: 100 units (3+ weeks of stock) – Early notice to plan reorder
- Critical Level: 60 units (2 weeks of stock) – Time to place order
- Emergency Level: 20 units (4-5 days of stock) – Urgent reorder needed
This configuration provides multiple opportunities to restock before running out.
Troubleshooting
Too Many Alerts? Increase your threshold levels or adjust the notification frequency settings.
Not Enough Alerts? Lower your thresholds or enable additional notification methods.
Alerts Not Working? Check that notifications are enabled in settings and verify your email/Telegram configuration.
Conclusion
Multi-level stock alerts give you better control over inventory management by providing early warnings at multiple stages. Configure them thoughtfully based on your sales patterns and supplier lead times, and you’ll significantly reduce the risk of stock-outs.
