Manufacturing Planning and Inventory Control

In recent years both business and consumer customers have increased their demands on suppliers with respect to the desire for customized products and services and shorter lead times. Suppliers must find a way to satisfy these increasing demands in a cost effective way. The main challenge is to ensure supply availability while keeping inventory costs low. Many firms have been able to maintain their competitive position in the global marketplace by streamlining their manufacturing processes and employing innovative inventory control strategies to minimize inventory investment. The success of these strategies requires internal coordination between the firm's functional areas as well as external coordination with major customers and component suppliers. This book will introduce readers at all levels of experience to cutting-edge methods and strategies for manufacturing planning and inventory control through the discussion of current research and case study vignettes from companies in every corner of the world. The book also adheres to the APICS Body of Knowledge, which makes it a valuable resource for those participating in the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) programs.