Inventory levels impact operational performance, customer service, and the cost structure that delivers a product or service. Carrying inventory is costly because it ties up cash and creates risk of obsolescence. Therefore, an inventory management policy aligned to deliver the organization's objectives needs to be in place.

In this course, you will explore the drivers of inventory strategy and compare product life cycles. You will practice using the appropriate models and approaches to match levels of inventory with demand in a way that maximizes profit, and you will determine the optimal policies to manage two types of inventory in a given scenario. Finally, you will recommend strategies to improve operations management in your organization based on the principles of the Toyota Production System.

It is recommended to only take this course if you have completed Operational Process Analysis, Optimizing Operations, and Quality Control Systems or have equivalent experience.