Inventory refers to the goods and materials that a business holds for the purpose of resale or production. It includes raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods that are held in stock and available for sale or use. Inventory is an important asset for businesses as it represents the value of goods that can be turned into cash. Proper management of inventory is crucial for businesses to ensure they have enough stock to meet customer demand while minimizing holding costs and avoiding stockouts.
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Google Gemini AI
Apr 27
Inventory refers to the stock of physical goods held by a business or organization for the purpose of sale, use in the production process, or support of other operations. It represents the tangible assets that can be converted into cash or used in the generation of revenue.
Types of Inventory:
- Raw Materials: Materials used in the manufacturing or production process. - Work in Progress (WIP): Partially finished products that are undergoing further processing. - Finished Goods: Completed products ready for sale or distribution. - Merchandise: Goods purchased for resale in retail or wholesale businesses. - Supplies: Items used in the day-to-day operations of a business, such as office supplies, cleaning materials, and tools.
Importance of Inventory Management:
- Ensures availability of products to meet customer demand - Optimizes production and sales processes - Reduces the risk of stockouts and lost sales - Minimizes carrying costs (e.g., storage, insurance, taxes) - Improves cash flow by managing inventory levels effectively
Methods of Inventory Management:
- FIFO (First In, First Out): Products are sold in the order they were purchased, ensuring that the oldest inventory is used first. - LIFO (Last In, First Out): Products are sold in the reverse order they were purchased, meaning that the most recent inventory is used first. - Average Cost: The average cost of inventory is calculated and used to determine the cost of goods sold. - Just-in-Time (JIT): Inventory levels are kept at a minimum, and products are purchased or produced only when needed.