Inventory Management-principles and Practices.

Book excerpt: The book Inventory Management Principles and Practices explains all the fundamental principles of Inventory Management. It starts with a definition of Inventory, why it is needed as well as not needed, what is its impact on a business, how do we classify them for ease of control and what are the various techniques of inventory control. Inventory is an outcome of procurement. So obviously, while studying inventories, the logic behind its procurement should be studied. Hence, chapters on Manufacturing Resources Planning have been added. Just-in-time principles and TQM are some more methods of achieving world-class manufacturing, so they have also been included here. In the present scenario, all activities are being computerized. So lessons on e-commerce as well as all the latest technologies that are affecting Inventory Management have been included. Chapters have been included on methods to handle specific classes of inventories such as spare parts inventory, finished goods inventory, work-in-process inventory, surplus, obsolete and non-moving inventory, etc. Logistics and supply chain management defines the path which a material takes in it s life through a company. So it was essential to include a chapter on it also. Keeping in mind the syllabus prescribed in the various universities on this subject, the chapters have been designed accordingly. A chapter has also been included on some motivational thoughts outlining some principles, which would help us to become successful in life. The principles outlined here are universal, applicable to any situation, organization or country.