is the oversight of materials, information, and finances as they move in a process from supplier to manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, and consumer.

is concerned with the determination of production, inventory, and work force levels to meet fluctuating demand requirements over a planning horizon 

determines the quantities needed to meet demands from all sources and governs key decisions and activities throughout the organization.

controls the levels of inventory by determining how much to order and when to order

is a material control system that attempts to keep adequate inventory levels to assure that required materials are available when needed.