Inventory management is a process that involves planning, organizing, and controlling the flow of goods and materials into and out of a company. The goal of inventory management is to ensure that the correct amount of stock is kept on hand to meet customer demand. Inventory control, on the other hand, refers to the actual physical tasks involved in tracking and managing inventory.
What is Inventory Management?
- Inventory management is the process of tracking and managing inventory to ensure that it is properly utilized. This includes tasks such as planning production, keeping track of orders and stock levels, and determining the most efficient way to use inventory.
- Proper inventory management can help to save money by reducing waste and ensuring that products are available when they are needed. In addition, it can help to improve customer satisfaction by ensuring that products are available when they are supposed to be.
- Proper inventory management is a critical component of any business, and it is important to put in place a system that works for your specific needs. There are many different software programs and tools available to help with this process, so it is important to do some research to find the right solution for your business. With the right system in place, you can ensure that your inventory is properly managed, and that your business runs smoothly.
What is Inventory Control?
Inventory control is the process of regulating and managing stock levels in order to ensure that businesses have the right level of inventory on hand at all times. By having accurate and up-to-date information on stock levels, businesses can avoid the cost and disruption of running out of vital supplies, while also ensuring that they are not carrying too much stock, which can tie up valuable resources. Inventory control systems can be manual or computerized, and there are a variety of different methods that can be used to track inventory levels.
Difference between Inventory Management and Inventory Control
- Inventory management and inventory control are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two terms. Inventory management refers to the process of overseeing and organizing the storage and movement of inventory.
- This includes keeping track of inventory levels, predicting future needs, and ensuring that inventory is in the correct location at all times. Inventory control, on the other hand, refers to the process of ensuring that inventory levels remain within a predetermined range.
- This requires setting up systems to monitor inventory levels and trigger replenishment orders when necessary. While both processes are important for managing inventory, they serve different purposes. Inventory management is focused on maximizing efficiency, while inventory control is focused on minimizing risk.
Conclusion
Inventory management and inventory control are actually two different concepts. Inventory management is the overarching process of overseeing stock levels and ensuring that there is enough merchandise to meet customer demand. Inventory control, on the other hand, is a narrower focus within inventory management that entails taking steps to ensure that stock levels stay within desired parameters.
