CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
As there are different scholars in computer science, so are there different definitions of computer. The same is applicable to inventory planning and control, however all boils down to the same meaning at least though from different perspectives depending on the understanding.
Iyang (1996:40 defined computer as” an electronic data processing machine capable of receiving, storing, performing arithmetic and logical operations in line with defined instruction, high speed, accuracy and finally transforming the processed data to an output or presenting the data or information in a final printed or visual from”. A computer system could as an “Electro- mechanical machine which receives data instructions, processes them and produce its result as information which are made up of hardware, software, data ware, and human-ware, computer technology is fast revolutionizing the world, Before computer there had been aids to doing such actions as calculation, storing and retrieving information, which were adopted by various organizations.
In the same view, Arnold (1996:221) defined inventory as materials and supplies that a business or institution carries either for sale or to provide inputs or supplies to the production process. All businesses and institutions require inventories which forms the life wire of any organization. Similarly, inventory planning and control for. According to Arnold (1996:223) is responsible for managing and directing inventory from the raw material stage to the customer. Inventory planning and control involves a wide rage of activities like planning, purchasing, storage, usage and control of inventory and for this to be effective, come the use of computer inventory for easy accessibility.
The role computer play in inventory control be over- emphasized. The computer assemblies all pertinent facts about inventory planning and control and bring all these facts up to date. This has been made possible, by the fact that inventory planning and control recognizes that important role computer plays in inventory. Successful inventory planning and control actions are as a result of a computerized inventory system, where all the additions and withdrawals are recorded electronically, so that the computer can trigger the placement of orders to replenish the inventory. Since inventory is necessary for any company dealing with physical products, what it handles large volume of inventory can best be imagined when told like a storey and it beats human imagination when put into use and it is proved.
Brief history of Sam Mbakwe international cargo airport (SMICA). The airport was built but the Administration of late chief Sam Mbakwe. First Civilian Governor of the old Imo State made up of the present Imo, Abia and part of Ebony State. The airport was renamed after late chief Sam Mbakwe as an honour for his contribution to growth of the country and aviation industry Sam Mbakwe international cargo Airport, Owerri was officially commissioned on the 15th July 1994 by the former head of state commander. In- chief of the Armed forces, Federal republic of Nigeria, Late general Sanm Abacha as a passenger airport, recently, it has been re-designated a cargo airport for the importation of cargo in the eastern geo-political Zones of the country by the former president and commander in- chief of the armed forces of the federal Republic of Nigeria, chief Olusegu Obasanjo.
The Airport is managed by one federal Parastatal and three Agencies namely, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria airspace management Agency (NCAA) and Nigeria meteorological service Agency (NIMET) . The Airport has as purchasing and stores department where materials of different kinds are purchased and kept for services and which as highly monitored by computer so as to maintain efficient and effective inventory planning and control, it is located at Ngorokpala L.G.A