Beginning Inventory - BI

Beginning Inventory - BI

The book value of goods, inputs, or materials available for use or sale at the beginning of an inventory accounting period.

Notes:

Beginning inventory is similar to ending inventory except that it is adjusted for any accounting discrepancies. BI is an important figure for companies because they use it to gauge new ordering requirements and to forecast future sales. Company managers can be evaluated based on their levels of beginning inventory and inventory turnover.

See also: Accounting, Book Value, Ending Inventory, Forecasting, Inventory, Inventory Turnover