What is Materials Management?

Materials Management (MM) is a core function of supply chain management that focuses on planning, controlling, and optimizing the flow of materials within an organization. It encompasses activities such as purchasing, inventory management, storage, and transportation of raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished goods. Effective materials management aims to ensure that the right materials are available at the right time, in the right quantity, and at the right cost to support production and operations, ultimately minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.