When managing inventory, why should large stock levels be avoided?

Large stock levels should be avoided primarily because they tie up financial resources. When a business maintains a large inventory, significant capital is invested in that stock rather than being available for other essential operations or growth opportunities. This can limit the company's liquidity and financial flexibility, making it more challenging to respond to market changes, invest in new projects, or cover unexpected expenses.

While other factors, such as waste of materials, complications in storage logistics, and increased supplier dependency, can arise from excessive inventory, the core issue relates to the impact on cash flow and financial health. Businesses must carefully balance their inventory levels to ensure that they have enough products on hand to meet customer demands without sacrificing financial stability.