What is inventory management?

Inventory management refers to the process of tracking and managing stock levels, orders, and other related data in order to keep businesses stocked with the right products and materials at all times. This can involve anything from manufacturing and purchasing to warehousing and distribution.

Why is inventory management important?

Inventory management is important for businesses because it helps to ensure that operations run smoothly and efficiently. Having too much or too little inventory can lead to a number of problems, including production delays, missed sales opportunities, and unhappy customers.

How can inventory management be improved?

There are a number of ways to improve inventory management, but some common methods include streamlining processes, automating tasks, and using data analytics to make more informed decisions.

What are some common inventory management mistakes?

Some common inventory management mistakes include not keeping accurate records, not monitoring stock levels closely enough, and not planning for disruptions.

What are some of the risks associated with inventory management?

There are several risks associated with inventory management, including: stock outs, excess inventory, and obsolescence.

Understanding Inventory Management | Definition & Benefits

Inventory Management: Definition

Inventory management is the process of fixing the minimum and maximum limits of an inventory and determining the size of inventory to be maintained.

Inventory management encompasses considerations relating to issue prices, norms of receipts and inspections, determining the economic order quantity (EOQ), providing proper store facilities, and keeping an effective check on obsolescence.

Inventories are the goods that will be sold in the future in the normal course of business operations.

Coverage of Inventories

Inventories consist of:

Raw Materials: These are the basic materials used for production

Work-in-Progress: These are raw materials that have been applied in the production process but that have not been finished

Finished Stock: These are the final products available for sales made out of raw materials

Benefits of Holding Inventory

Holding inventories is useful to a firm in the processes of purchasing, producing, and selling.

Companies that do not hold adequate inventories of raw materials and finished goods may lose customers or suffer from delays in supplying goods as per their orders.

The following are the benefits of holding adequate inventories:

1. Customer Service: A company with sufficient reserves of stock will not lose customers and will supply goods within a reasonable time. Therefore, holding inventory can have positive externalities regarding customer service.

2. Discounts: Large purchases of raw materials and finished goods are likely to lead to greater discounts than would otherwise be the case with smaller purchases.

3. Lower Ordering Costs: When companies purchase raw materials and finished goods in large quantities, they reduce the ordering cost in terms of preparing new orders, checking and validating receipts, and communicating with suppliers.

4. Lower Setup Costs: Maintaining an adequate inventory is useful for a company because it will benefit the production setup cost, which further results in a lower per-unit cost of output.

5. Continuous Production Schedule: Adequate inventory is useful for the production schedule because it ensures that production can continue at all times, thereby ensuring customer demand is met.

6. Employment Stability: Adequate inventory is useful for employment stability as it coordinates production and distribution.

When adequate inventory is not kept, it is a possibility that production will suffer and employment stability will be in danger.

7. Reasonable Return On Capital Employed: When inventories are excessive, the company has deployed its funds in a way that won't generate a return. The company's liquidity will suffer and, thus, an adequate inventory should be maintained.

Inventory Management FAQs