The totals reported are useful as absolute values, particularly at lower levels of responsibility, where, for example, it may be desirable to ensure that minimum inventory levels are being maintained.

By including the sales order and purchase order capabilities, you obtain a completely integrated inventory system that allows you to maintain minimum inventory levels without compromising on customer service.

These robust actions had a large negative impact on operating profit, but at the same time ... made sure we started 2009 with minimum inventory levels,' Stora Enso Chief Executive Officer Jouko Karvinen said in a statement.

Optimisation means providing a "balance" of supply to meet demand at a minimum total annual cost, minimum inventory level, and minimum workload to meet customer service level goal for each item in each link in the inventory chain.