What is the primary purpose of inventory management in a bakery?

The primary purpose of inventory management in a bakery is to ensure product availability. This involves maintaining the right quantity of ingredients and finished goods so that customers can consistently find the products they want when they visit the bakery. Effective inventory management helps prevent stockouts that can lead to lost sales and dissatisfied customers. It also allows the bakery to meet demand without overstocking, which can lead to waste, especially for perishable items.

While reducing staff workload, determining pricing strategies, and increasing product variety can be related to inventory practices, they are secondary outcomes rather than the main goal. Focusing on product availability ensures that bakers can fulfill customer orders efficiently, ultimately contributing to customer satisfaction and loyalty.