Inventory control and quality system requirements—a case study

Abstract

In this study we have examined the requirements of two commonly used quality standards and how the generally approved inventory control methods in two large Finnish paper mills respond to these requirements. We have tried to answer questions such as; do the quality system activities complicate or do they have conflicting goals with the logistics system, or are there supporting activities or goals? The current state of inventory and quality systems in these companies has also been examined. We have found out that, although these two systems have concentrated on different characteristics from inventory activities and they respond at the different level, they support each other. Even so that an appropriate quality system forms a basis to efficient inventory control.