The real wordsTheory
Inventory, defined
InventoryA stock or store of goods.
Independent-demand itemsItems that are ready to be sold or used. Their demand comes from outside the firm and must be forecast, not calculated.
Inventories are a vital part of business: they are necessary for operations, and they contribute to customer satisfaction.
Independent demand is the key phrase. Everything in this chapter and the next four applies to independent-demand items. Dependent-demand items are handled by MRP, later in this half.