Par level is one of the most useful concepts in linen management, and one of the most often guessed at. Getting it right keeps you stocked without overbuying. Here is how it works.
What a par level is
A par is how many sets of an item you keep in circulation. The classic baseline is three: one in use, one in the wash, one on the shelf.
Calculating yours
Start from your busiest realistic demand, not your average, then add a buffer for laundry turnaround time. The longer the turnaround, the more par you need.
Right-sizing over time
Par is not set once. Review it as occupancy and turnaround change, trimming excess that ties up cash and topping up where you keep running short.