Title: Reading: (CU2 M3) Chapter 12 - Office Environment and Daily Operations
Course: SkillsCom CMA 200 15.0

An inventory control system is a process for managing and locating objects or materials.  Inventory control is also about knowing where all stock, supplies, and materials are and ensuring everything is accounted for at any given time.

An inventory control system can either be manual or computerized, but inherently the system is designed to do the following:

- Ensure that the right materials are on the shelf in the right amounts.
- Track what is used.
- Signal when orders should be made.
- Track the expenses and costs associated with doing business.

Read the following article entitled Two Ways to Establish a Manual Inventory Control System by Medical Economics to become more informed.

In addition, an inventory control system can also help track the routine maintenance of administrative and clinical equipment which in turn will helps protect patient safety.  Check out the following document: Medical supplies and equipment for primary health care - A practical resource for procurement and management.