For decades the materials sector of an enterprise has been relatively un important, compared with the production and sales side, but it has gained in importance during the last 25-30 years. This is clearly indicated by the increas ing attachment of this sector to the commercial side of an enterprise, the delegation of materials-oriented tasks to highly qualified people, and -closely correlated -the integration of the materials sector with the key positions of a company's organizational hierarchy. The materials management area has become an interesting part of business life. Stimulating this...