Supplies

Supplies are materials and items that are consumed or used to support operations, production, or daily activities. Unlike equipment, which is typically durable and reusable, supplies are intended for ongoing use and are replenished regularly. The term covers a broad range of goods used across different sectors, from offices to healthcare and manufacturing.

Common categories include office supplies (paper, pens, staples), medical supplies (bandages, syringes, gloves), laboratory supplies (gloves, pipettes, reagents), construction and industrial supplies (fasteners, adhesives, sealants), and household or school supplies (cleaning products, notebooks). Many organizations also maintain specialized inventories for procurement based on their activities.

Inventory management for supplies involves forecasting demand, setting reordering points, and maintaining safe stock levels to prevent shortages or overstock. Procurement may use centralized procurement, vendor managed inventory, or just-in-time strategies to reduce carrying costs while ensuring availability. Accurate cataloging, labeling, and documentation support efficient replenishment and accountability.

Storage and handling are important to preserve quality. Some supplies have expiration dates or limited shelf life and require proper storage conditions, rotation using first-expire, first-out practices, and regular audits.

Sustainability and safety considerations include choosing reusable or recyclable items when possible, sourcing from responsible suppliers, and complying with regulatory standards and safety data sheets for hazardous materials. Supplies play a foundational role in daily operations and service delivery across private and public sectors.