Despite the widespread use of computer based inventory control systems, most companies are aware that they often cannot meet their customer demand, while still suspecting that their stock levels are higher than they should be.

Inventory Management isn't easy. If it were, more companies would be good at it. But being competent at managing your inventory isn't all that difficult either. Inventory Management Explained helps readers build a solid understanding of the key planning aspects of inventory management. It does this by clearly explaining what inventory management is, but then goes well beyond typical inventory management books by tearing apart the calculations and logic we use in inventory management and exposing the hidden (or not so hidden) flaws and limitations. It then builds on this by showing readers how they can use their understanding of inventory management and their specific business needs to modify these calculations or develop their own calculations to more effectively manage their inventory. The emphasis on practical solutions means readers can actually use what they've learned.For those new to inventory management, the author includes highly detailed explanations and numerous examples. Instead of archaic mathematical syntax, the author explains the calculations in plain English and uses Excel formulas and spreadsheet examples for many of them.For the experienced practitioner, the author provides insights and a level of detail they likely have not previously experienced. Overall, Inventory Management Explained does actually explain inventory management, and in doing so, exposes the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of it. But more importantly, it leaves the readers knowing enough to be able to start making smart decisions about how they manage their inventory.

Your SOURCE for supply chain management fundamentals Optimize your understanding of the essential supply chain management practices used by the best firms to gain competitive advantage. Written in an easy-to-follow style, Supply Chain Management DeMYSTiFieD is filled with best practices and proven techniques for success. This practical guide covers supply chain collaboration, planning, strategic sourcing, manufacturing, production, logistics, risk management, and performance metrics. Corporate social responsibility is also addressed. Detailed examples and concise explanations make it easy to understand the material, and end-of-chapter quizzes and a final exam help reinforce key concepts. It's a no-brainer! You'll learn about: Creating a customer-focused strategy Buyer-supplier negotiations New product development Just in time (JIT), Lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma Transportation Global supply chains Simple enough for a beginner, but challenging enough for an advanced student, Supply Chain Management DeMYSTiFieD helps you master this essential business and quality management topic.

Does inventory management sometimes feel like a waste of time? Learn how to maximize your inventory management process to use it as a tool for making important business decisions.

Inventory management is a critical component of supply chain management, addressing how much inventory should be carried across the supply chain, where to carry it, and how much safety stock is required to meet the organization's cost and customer service objectives. Now, there's an authoritative and comprehensive guide to best-practice inventory management in any organization. Authored by world-class experts in collaboration with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), this text gives students and practitioners a thorough understanding of each leading approach to managing supply chain inventories, and the variables that drive decisions about inventory levels. It discusses the fundamental need for inventory, how product value affects inventory decisions, how to determine inventory levels, how the number of inventory locations affects inventory levels, and new approaches to reducing inventory. Coverage includes: Basic inventory management goals, roles, concepts, purposes, and terminology, including periodic inventory, perpetual inventory, safety stock, cycle count, ABC analysis, carrying and stockout costs, and more Key inventory management elements, processes, and interactions Principles/strategies for establishing efficient and effective inventory flows The critical role of technology in inventory planning and management New approaches to reducing inventory including postponement, vendor-managed inventories, cross-docking, and quick response systems Understanding essential trade-offs between inventory and transportation costs, including the impact of carrying costs Requirements and challenges of global inventory management Best practices for assessing inventory management performance using standard metrics and frameworks