This book offers a plain-language explanation of the basic principles of inventory management in non-retail environments, while keeping in mind the interrelationship between inventory management and the other functions in a company. Concepts behind the approaches, calculations, and techniques covered are explained in detail, and many real-world examples are provided. Because no one approach or technique is applicable to all firms or to all inventory in a firm, examples present various operational environments and describe which techniques would be suitable. The book covers areas such as inventory transactions and record accuracy, inventory planning and replenishment, storage and physical control, supply chain management, and lean principles and continuous improvement. Mercado is a materials manager for a pre-engineered manufacturer at a plant in northern California. The book is distributed in the US by Taylor & Francis. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)