Materials management is the detailed study of complete material flow process of a firm. The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) defines materials management as "the grouping of management functions supporting the complete cycle of material flow, from the purchase and internal control of production materials to the planning and control of work-in-process to the warehousing, shipping and distribution of finished products." Materials management helps operations managers assess the requirements of materials at various stages of production process and maintain control over the firm's production and distribution functions.
The scope of materials management is broad, as it considers the entire flow of materials in and out of an organization. Its scope can be viewed in two contexts - trouble avoidance and opportunistic. Managers in any organization are worried if the materials function does not perform well. The proper management of materials enables smooth operation of the firm's functions. Moreover, the proper management and control of materials leads to reduction in production costs and inventory levels, coupled with an increase in the efficiency of production. Therefore, materials management can be viewed as an opportunistic tool to improve a firm's profits.
The responsibilities of materials managers include activities like determining the materials requirements at various stages of the production process, procuring materials in the most effective and economic manner, and receiving and storing them safely. Exhibit 12.1 provides some useful guidelines to materials managers for better handling of materials. In recent times, some organizations have been decentralizing these responsibilities to departmental specialists like purchase managers or inventory managers. But, this does not reduce the importance of materials management.
This chapter explains the functions of material management that help firms ensure the smooth functioning of their production and distribution activities.
Email based Operations Management assignment help - homework help at Expertsmind
Are you searching Operations Management expert for help with Materials Management questions? Materials Management topic is not easier to learn without external help? We at www.expertsmind.com offer finest service of Operations Management assignment help and Operations Management homework help. Live tutors are available for 24x7 hours helping students in their Materials Management related problems. We provide step by step Materials Management question's answers with 100% plagiarism free content. We prepare quality content and notes for Materials Management topic under Operations Management theory and study material. These are avail for subscribed users and they can get advantages anytime.
Why Expertsmind for assignment help
- Higher degree holder and experienced experts network
- Punctuality and responsibility of work
- Quality solution with 100% plagiarism free answers
- Time on Delivery
- Privacy of information and details
- Excellence in solving Operations Management questions in excels and word format.
- Best tutoring assistance 24x7 hours