Inventory management involves having the right quantities of raw materials, work in progress, and finished goods. It is important to manage inventory to ensure adequate cash flow, minimize wear and tear, prevent product expiry due to technological changes. The right level of inventory can be determined by defining reorder levels using lead time demand plus a safety stock, forecasting sales and identifying lead times, prioritizing inventory using the Pareto principle, tracking inventory, setting service level agreements, and coordinating with production planning and control. Effective inventory management results in increased inventory turnover, reduced lead times, greater transparency, higher sales, improved production planning and control, and increased employee morale.