Material
Material
MATERIAL COST
LEARNING OUTCOMES
After studying this chapter, you would be able to-
♦ State the meaning, need and importance of materials.
♦ Discuss the procedures and documentations involved in
procuring, storing and issuing material.
♦ Discuss the various inventory control techniques and
determination of various stock levels.
♦ Compute Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) and apply the
EOQ to determine the optimum order quantity.
♦ Discuss the various methods of inventory accounting and
Prepare stock ledger/ account.
♦ Identify and explain normal and abnormal loss and its
accounting treatment.
CHAPTER OVERVIEW
1. INTRODUCTION
We have acquired a basic knowledge about the concepts, objectives, advantages,
methods and elements of cost. We shall now study each element of cost
separately beginning with material cost. The general meaning of material is all
commodities/ physical objects used to make the final product. It may be
direct or indirect.
(i) Direct Materials: Materials, cost of which can be directly attributable to the
end product for which it is being used, in an economically feasible way.
(ii) Indirect Materials: Those materials which are not directly attributable to a
particular final product.
Direct Materials constitute a significant part for manufacturing and production of
goods. Being an input and a significant cost element, it requires adequate
management attention. Cost control starts from here, and for this purpose it is
necessary that the principle of 3Es (Economy, Efficiency and Effectiveness) i.e.
economy in procurement, efficiency in handling and processing the material and
effectiveness in producing desired output as per the standard, is also applied for
this cost element. Importance of proper recording and control of material are as
follows:
(a) Quality of final product: The quality of output depends on the quality of
inputs.
(b) Price of the final product: Material constitutes a significant part of any
product and the cost of final product is directly related with cost of materials
used to produce the product.
(c) Production continuity: The production firms need to ensure that
production process runs smoothly and should not be paused for the want
of materials. In order to avoid production interruptions, an adequate level
of stock of materials should be maintained.
(d) Cost of Stock holding and stock-out: An entity has to incur stock holding
costs in the form of interest and/or opportunity cost for the fund used, stock
handling losses like evaporation, obsolescence etc. Under-stocking causes in
loss of revenue due to stock-out and breach of commitment.
(e) Wastage and other losses: While handling and processing of materials,
some wastage and loss arise. Based on the nature of material and process,
these are classified as normal and abnormal for efficient utilisation and
control.
(f) Regular information about resources: Regular and updated information
on availability and utilisation of materials are necessary for the entity for
timely and informed decision making.
2. MATERIAL CONTROL
In the previous chapter, we have discussed the term Cost Control, which means all
activities and control mechanism which are necessary to keep the cost in
adherence to the set standards. Material, being one of the total cost elements, are
also required to be controlled so that the overall cost control objective can be
fulfilled.
3. Use of standard forms for placing the order, noting receipt of goods,
authorising issue of the materials etc.
4. Preparation of budgets concerning materials, supplies and equipment to
ensure economy in purchasing and use of materials.
5. Operation of a system of internal check so that all transactions involving
materials, supplies and equipment purchases are properly approved and
automatically checked.
6. Storage of all materials and supplies in a well designated location with
proper safeguards.
7. Operation of a system of perpetual inventory together with continuous stock
checking so that it is possible to determine, at any time, the amount and the
value of each kind of material in stock.
8. Operation of a system of stores control and issue so that there will be delivery
of materials upon requisition to departments in the right amount at the time
they are needed.
9. Development of system of controlling accounts and subsidiary records which
exhibit summary and detailed material costs at the stage of material receipt
and consumption.
10. Regular reports of materials purchased issue from stock, inventory balances,
obsolete stock, goods returned to vendors, and spoiled or defective units
are required.
Material Control
Material
Material Storage Material Usage
Procurement Control Control
Control
At the beginning a complete list of materials and stores required should be drawn
up, which should be reviewed periodically for any addition or deletion. On the
basis of standing order, once an item is included in the standard list, it becomes
the duty of the purchase department to arrange for fresh supplies before existing
stocks are exhausted. Any change in the consumption pattern should be informed
to the purchase department for necessary action from their end.
For control over buying of regular store materials, Inventory control system is to
determine stock levels to be maintained and the number of quantities to be
ordered. In respect of special materials, required for a special order or purpose, it
is desirable that the concerned technical department should prepare materials
specifications list specifying the quantity, size and order for the materials.
Purchase requisition note may either be originated by the stores department in
connection with regular materials or by the production planning or other technical
departments in respect of special materials.
Format of a purchase requisition note may vary on the basis of Industrial
Peculiarities, Management Information System (MIS) and Accounting System in
place.
Materials are purchased considering the need for the materials for
production and safety, however, the timing of placing the order is very
important to get the materials replenished before the requirement arise and
without affecting the production schedule. Supply of materials i.e., how
easily the materials are available in the market, Lead time i.e., time required
to get the order from supplier’s place to production place, consumption
pattern of materials are the important factors which affects the timing of
purchase. Related to the question, later in this chapter Re-order Stock Level
will be learnt. Further the concept of just-in-time (JIT), which is briefly
discussed in this chapter is also associated with the question ‘when’ to
purchase.
(iii) Cash Discount Cash discount is not deducted from the purchase
price. It is treated as interest and finance item. It is
ignored.
(v) Road Tax/ Toll Road tax/ Toll tax, if paid by the buyer, is included
Tax with the cost of purchase.
(vi) Goods and Goods and Service Tax (GST) is paid on supply of
Service Tax goods and provision of services and collected from
(GST) the buyers. It is excluded from the cost of
purchase if credit for the same is available. Unless
mentioned specifically it should not form part of
cost of purchase.
(x) Penalty Penalty of any type is not included with the cost of
purchase
Other expenditures
ILLUSTRATION 1
An invoice in respect of a consignment of chemicals A and B provides the following
information:
(`)
Chemical A: 10,000 kgs. at ` 10 per kg. 1,00,000
Chemical B: 8,000 kgs. at ` 13 per kg. 1,04,000
Basic custom duty @ 10% (Credit is not allowed) 20,400
Railway freight 3,840
Total cost 2,28,240
A shortage of 500 kgs. in chemical A and 320 kgs. in chemical B is noticed due to
normal breakages. You are required to COMPUTE the rate per kg. of each chemical,
assuming a provision of 2% for further deterioration.
SOLUTION
Working:
9,500 7,680
ILLUSTRATION 2
At WHAT price per unit would Part No. A 32 be entered in the Stores Ledger, if the
following invoice was received from a supplier:
Invoice (` )
800.00
896.00
946.00
(i) A 2 per cent cash discount will be given if payment is made in 30 days.
(ii) Documents substantiating payment of GST are enclosed for claiming Input
credit.
SOLUTION
Computation of cost per unit
(`)
850.00
Note: (i) Cash discount is treated as interest and finance charges, hence, it is not
considered for valuation of material.
(ii) Input credit is available for GST paid; hence it will not be added to
purchase cost.
(vi) Issue of materials: Store keeper should issue materials only against the
material requisition slip approved by the appropriate authority. He/ she
should also refer to bill of materials while issuing materials to requisitioning
department.
(vii) Stock verification and reconciliation: Store keeper should verify the book
balances with the actual physical stock at frequent intervals by way of
internal control and check the any irregular or abnormal issues, pilferage,
etc.
Advantages:
(i) There would be fewer chances of mistakes being made as entries are made
at the same time as goods received or issued by the person actually
handling the materials.
(ii) Control over stock can be more effective, as comparison of the actual
quantity in hand at any time with the book balance is possible.
(iii) Identification of the different items of materials is facilitated by reference to
the Bin Card, the bin or storage receptacle.
Disadvantages
(i) Store records are dispersed over a wide area.
(ii) The cards are liable to be smeared with dirt and grease because of proximity
to material and also because of handling materials.
(iii) People handling materials are not ordinarily suitable for the clerical work
involved in writing Bin Cards.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Stock Control Cards
Advantages:
(i) Records are kept in a more compact manner so that reference to them is
facilitated.
(ii) Records can be kept in a neat and clean way by men solely engaged in
clerical work so that a division of workers between record keeping and
actual material handling is possible.
(iii) As the records are at one place, it is possible to get an overall idea of the
stock position without the necessity of going round the stores.
Disadvantages:
(i) On the spot comparison of the physical stock of an item with its book
balance is not facilitated.
(ii) Physical identification of materials in stock may not be as easy as in the case
of bin cards, as the Stock Control Cards are housed in cabinets or trays.
Stores Ledger: A Stores Ledger is maintained to record both quantity and cost
of materials received, issued and those in stock. It is a subsidiary ledger to the
main cost ledger; it is maintained by the Cost/ Accounts Department. The source
documents for posting the ledger are Goods received notes, Materials requisition
notes etc.
The first two forms are records of quantities received, issued and those in balance,
but in the third record i.e. store ledger, value of receipts, issues and closing
balance is also maintained. Usually, records of quantities i.e. Bin cards and Store
Control Cards are kept by the store keeper in store department while record of both
quantity and value is maintained by cost accounting department.
6. INVENTORY CONTROL
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) defines Inventory
Control as “The function of ensuring that sufficient goods are retained in stock to
meet all requirements without carrying unnecessarily large stocks.”
The objective of inventory control is to make a balance between sufficient stock
and over-stock. The stock maintained should be sufficient to meet the production
requirements so that uninterrupted production flow can be maintained.
Insufficient stock not only pause the production but also cause a loss of revenue
and goodwill. On the other hand, inventory requires some funds for purchase,
storage, maintenance of materials with a risk of obsolescence, pilferage etc. The
main objective of inventory control is to maintain a trade-off between stock-out
and over-stocking. The management may employ various methods of inventory
control to have a balance. Management may adopt the following basis for
inventory control:
Inventory Control
(i) Re-order Stock Level (ROL): This level lies between minimum and the
maximum levels in such a way that before the material ordered is received
into the stores, there is sufficient quantity in hand to cover both normal and
abnormal consumption situations. In other words, it is the level at which
fresh order should be placed for replenishment of stock.
It is calculated as:
ROL = Maximum Consumption × Maximum Re-order Period
Annual Requirement (A)- It represents demand for raw material or Input for a
year.
Cost per Order (O) - It represents cost of placing an order for purchase.
Carrying Cost (C) – It represents cost of carrying average inventory on annual
basis.
Assumptions underlying E.O.Q. : The calculation of economic order of
material to be purchased is subject to the following assumptions:
(i) Ordering cost per order and carrying cost per unit per annum are
known and they are fixed.
ILLUSTRATION 3
CALCULATE the Economic Order Quantity from the following information. Also
state the number of orders to be placed in a year.
Consumption of materials per annum : 10,000 kg.
2× A ×O
EOQ =
C
A = Units consumed during year = 10,000
O = Ordering cost per order = 50
C = Inventory carrying cost per unit per annum. = 8% of ` 2
2 ´ 10,000 ´ 50 2×10,000×50×25
EOQ = = = 2,500 kg
2´ 8 4
100
ILLUSTRATION 4
(i) COMPUTE E.O.Q. and the total variable cost for the following:
Annual Demand = 5,000 units
Unit price = ` 20.00
Order cost = ` 16.00
Storage rate = 2% per annum
SOLUTION
(i) Carrying cost (C) = Storage rate = 2%
Interest Rate = 12%
Obsolescence Rate = 6%
Total = 20% per annum
C= 20% of `Rs 20 = `Rs 4 per unit per annum.
2AO 2×5000×16
E.O.Q = = = 40,000 = 200 units
C 4
Total cost:
Purchase price of 5,000 units @ ` 20.00 per unit = ` 1,00,000
5000
Ordering cost = =25 orders @ ` 16 = ` 400
200
2×5,000×16
E.O.Q. = = 250 units
2.56
Total cost:
Purchase price of 5,000 units @ ` 12.80 per unit = ` 64,000
5,000
Ordering cost = = 20 orders @ ` 16 = ` 320
250
Carrying cost (of average inventory) = 250 =125 units @ ` 2.56= ` 320
2
(iii) Minimum Stock Level: It is lowest level of material stock, which must be
maintained in hand at all times, so that there is no stoppage of production
due to non-availability of inventory.
It is calculated as below:
Minimum Stock Level = Re-order Stock Level - (Average Consumption Rate
× Average Re-order Period)
(iv) Maximum Stock Level: It is the highest level of quantity for any material
which can be held in stock at any time. Any quantity beyond this level cause
extra amount of expenditure due to engagement of fund, cost of storage,
obsolescence etc.
It can be calculated as below:
Maximum Stock Level = Re-order Level + Re-order Quantity - (Minimum
Consumption Rate × Minimum Re-order Period)
Here, Re-order Quantity may be EOQ
(v) Average Inventory Level: This is the quantity of material that is normally
held in stock over a period. It is also known as normal stock level.
It can be calculated as below:
Average Stock Level = Minimum Stock Level + 1/2 Re-order Quantity
Alternatively, it can be calculated as below:
Maximum Stock Level + Minimum StockLevel
Average Stock Level =
2
(vi) Danger level: It is the level at which normal issues of the raw material
inventory are stopped and emergency issues are only made.
It can be calculated as below:
Danger Level = Average Consumption* × Lead time for emergency purchase
*Some time minimum consumption is also used.
(vii) Buffer Stock: Some quantity of stock may be kept for contingency to be
used in case of sudden order, such stock is known as buffer stock.
All the above stock levels can be understood with the help of the following
diagram:
Stock Control Chart
When the materials are purchased, the level keeps rising. It may reach maximum
level if the rate of issuance is less. As the materials are consumed, the stock level
starts declining. At re-order level, reorder quantity is ordered and fresh supplies
are normally received when stocks reach minimum level. The time interval
between re-order level, when the fresh order is placed, and the time of actual
receipt of materials is known as lead time.
ILLUSTRATION 5
Two components, A and B are used as follows:
CALCULATE for each component (a) Re-ordering level, (b) Minimum level, (c)
Maximum level, (d) Average stock level.
SOLUTION
(a) Re-ordering level:
Maximum usage per week × Maximum delivery period.
Average stock level for component B = ½ (150 units + 750 units) =450 units.
ILLUSTRATION 6
From the details given below, CALCULATE:
(i) Re-ordering level
(ii) Maximum level
While deciding on the level of inventory, a trade-off between the stock out cost
and carrying cost is made so that overall inventory cost can be minimized.
ILLUSTRATION 7
M/s Tyrotubes trades in four-wheeler tyres and tubes. It stocks sufficient quantity of
tyres of almost every vehicle. In year end 2022-23, the report of sales manager
revealed that M/s Tyrotubes experienced stock-out of tyres.
M/s Tyrotubes loses ` 150 per unit due to stock-out and spends ` 50 per unit on
carrying of inventory.
DETERMINE optimum safest stock level.
SOLUTION
Computation of Stock-out and Inventory carrying cost
Explanation:
Stock-out means the demand of an item that could not be fulfilled because of
insufficient stock level.
Safety stock is the level of stock of any item which is maintained in excess of
lead time consumption. It is kept as cushion against any unexpected demand
for that item.
(ii) the products should be delivered to customers at the time only when they want.
It is also known as ‘Demand pull’ or ‘Pull through’ system of production. In
this system, production process actually starts after the order for the products is
received. Based on the demand, production process starts and the requirement for
raw materials is sent to the purchase department for purchase. This can be
understood with the help of the following diagram:
Vital, Essential and Desirable (VED) •On the basis of importance of inventory
High, Medium and Low (HML) •On the basis of price of an item of inventory
(1) ABC Analysis: This system exercises discriminating control over different
items of inventory on the basis of the investment involved. Usually the items are
classified into three categories according to their relative importance, namely,
their value and frequency of replenishment during a period.
(i) ‘A’ Category: This category of items consists of only a small percentage i.e.,
about 10% of the total items handled by the stores but require heavy
investment about 70% of inventory value, because of their high prices or
heavy requirement or both. Items under this category can be controlled
effectively by using a regular system which ensures neither over-stocking
nor shortage of materials for production. Such a system plans its total
material requirements by making budgets. The stocks of materials are
controlled by fixing certain levels like maximum level, minimum level and
re-order level.
(ii) ‘B’ Category: This category of items is relatively less important; they may be
20% of the total items of material handled by stores. The percentage of
investment required is about 20% of the total investment in inventories. In the
case of these items, as the sum involved is moderate, the same degree of
control as applied in ‘A’ category of items is not warranted. The orders for
the items, belonging to this category may be placed after reviewing their
situation periodically.
(iii) ‘C’ Category: This category of items does not require much investment; it
may be about 10% of total inventory value but they are nearly 70% of the
total items handled by store. For these categories of items, there is no need
of exercising constant control. Orders for items in this group may be placed
either after six months or once in a year, after ascertaining consumption
requirements. In this case the objective is to economies on ordering and
handling costs.
ILLUSTRATION 8
From the following details, DRAW a plan of ABC selective control:
1 7,000 5.00
2 24,000 3.00
3 1,500 10.00
4 600 22.00
5 38,000 1.50
6 40,000 0.50
7 60,000 0.20
8 3,000 3.50
9 300 8.00
10 29,000 0.40
11 11,500 7.10
12 4,100 6.20
SOLUTION
Statement of Total Cost and Ranking
Advantages of ABC analysis: The advantages of ABC analysis are the following:
(i) Continuity in production: It ensures that, without there being any danger of
interruption of production for want of materials or stores, minimum
investment will be made in inventories of stocks of materials or stocks to be
carried.
(ii) Lower cost: The cost of placing orders, receiving goods and maintaining
stocks is minimised specially if the system is coupled with the determination
of proper economic order quantities.
(iii) Less attention required: Management time is saved since attention need to
be paid only to some of the items rather than all the items, as would be the
case if the ABC system was not in operation.
(iv) Systematic working: With the introduction of the ABC system, much of the
work connected with purchases can be systematized on a routine basis, to
be handled by subordinate staff.
ILLUSTRATION 9
A factory uses 4,000 varieties of inventory. In terms of inventory holding and
inventory usage, the following information is compiled:
SOLUTION
Classification of the items of inventory as per ABC analysis
1. 15 number of varieties of inventory items should be classified as ‘A’ category
items because of the following reasons:
(i) Constitute 0.375% of total number of varieties of inventory handled by
stores of factory, which is minimum as per given classification in the
table.
(ii) 50% of total use value of inventory holding (average), which is
maximum, according to the given table.
(iii) Highest in consumption, about 85% of inventory usage (in
end-product).
2. 110 number of varieties of inventory items should be classified as ‘B’
category items because of the following reasons:
(i) Constitute 2.750% of the total number of varieties of inventory items
handled by stores of factory.
(ii) Requires moderate investment of about 30% of total use value of
inventory holding (average).
(iii) Moderate in consumption, about 10% of inventory usage (in end–
product).
3. 3,875 number of varieties of inventory items should be classified as ‘C’
category items because of the following reasons:
depends on the nature and managerial discretion. A threshold range on the basis
of inventory turnover is decided and classified accordingly.
(i) Fast Moving- This category of items is placed nearer to store issue point
and the stock is reviewed frequently for making of fresh orders.
(ii) Slow Moving- This category of items is stored little far and stock is
reviewed periodically for any obsolescence, and may be shifted to
Non-moving category.
(iii) Non-Moving- This category of items is kept for disposal. This category of
items is reported to the management and an appropriate provision for loss
may be created.
Some of the reasons for slow moving and non-moving inventories are stated
below:
(i) Failure of production management to communicate the updated
requirement to the stores management
(ii) Technological upgradation in terms of new machine requiring new kind of
material or existing material becoming obsolete.
(iii) Lack of periodic review of inventories.
By careful observation, timely identification and adoption of inventory
management techniques such as maintenance of minimum level or just in time
approach, one can manage slow moving and non-moving inventories. We may
calculate inventory turnover ratio and present the reports of comparison of actual
and standards with variations, if any to the management.
(3) Vital, Essential and Desirable (VED): Under this system of inventory
analysis, inventories are classified on the basis of its criticality for the
production function and final product. Generally, this classification is done for
spare parts which are used for production.
(i) Vital- Items are classified as vital when its unavailability can interrupt the
production process and cause a production loss. Items under this category
are strictly controlled by setting re-order level.
(ii) Essential- Items under this category are essential but not vital. The
unavailability may cause sub standardisation and loss of efficiency in
production process. Items under this category are reviewed periodically and
get the second priority.
(iii) Desirable- Items under this category are optional in nature, unavailability
does not cause any production or efficiency loss.
For instance, in hospital administration, stock of medicines and essential chemicals
are categorized as VED or FSN inventory. In case of life saving, rare and critical
drugs, they are being categorized as vital inventory. They are the ones whose
unavailability can interrupt smooth service. Those inventories which are optional
or substitutes, not leading to loss in efficiency would be categorized as desirable
inventories. FNS categorization helps the store keepers in hospitals to keep a
check on medicines whose expiry date is close and needs to be disposed off at the
earliest. The quantity of slow-moving drugs are maintained accordingly.
(4) High Cost, Medium Cost, Low Cost (HML) Inventory: Under this system,
inventory is classified on the basis of the cost of an individual item, unlike ABC
analysis where inventories are classified on the basis of overall value of inventory.
A range of cost is used to classify the inventory items into the three categories.
High-Cost inventories are given more priority for control, whereas Medium-cost
and Low-cost items are comparatively given lesser priority.
`2,50,000
= = 2.5
`1,00,000
Working Note:
(`)
Opening stock of raw material 90,000
Add: Material purchases during the year 2,70,000
Less: Closing stock of raw material 1,10,000
Cost of stock of raw material consumed 2,50,000
ILLUSTRATION 11
From the following data for the year ended 31st March, 2023, CALCULATE the
inventory turnover ratio of the two items and put forward your comments on them.
SOLUTION
First of all, it is necessary to find out the material consumed:
(f) Making corrective entries wherever required after step (e) and
(g) Removing the causes of the discrepancies referred to in step (e)
(1) Physical stocks can be counted and book balances adjusted as and
when desired without waiting for the entire stock-taking to be done.
(2) Quick compilation of Profit and Loss Account (for interim period) due
to prompt availability of stock figures.
(3) Discrepancies are easily located and thus corrective action can be
promptly taken to avoid their recurrence.
(5) Fixation of the various stock levels and checking of actual balances in
hand with these levels assist the store keeper in maintaining stocks
within limits and in initiating purchase requisitions for correct quantity
at the appropriate time.
No copy is required for the store, as no entry in the stores records would be
called for. The Cost Accounting Department would use its copy for the
purpose of making the necessary entries in the cost ledger accounts for the
jobs affected.
material cost of the job against which the excess material was originally
drawn in that case, would be overstated, unless the job is given credit for the
surplus arising thereon.
The surplus material, when it is returned to the storeroom, should be
accompanied by a document known as a Shop Credit Note or alternatively
as a Stores Debit Note. This document should be made out; by the
department returning the surplus material and it should be in triplicate to be
used as follows:
Store Room
Department Returnign it
Format of a shop credit note may vary on the basis of industrial peculiarities,
management information system (MIS) and accounting system in place.
Advantages Disadvantages
Advantages Disadvantages
• In the case of falling prices, the • In the case of rising prices, the real
use of this method gives better profits of the concern being low,
results. while the profits in the books will
appear high. This may lead to
inability of the firm to meet the
materials purchase demand at the
current market price.
The stock in hand after 8th August will be 1,000 kgs. This will be out of lot
number (5) and its value will be ` 800, i.e., @ ` 0.80 per kg.
(iii) Last-in-First-out (LIFO) Method: It is a method of pricing the issues of
materials on the basis of assumption that the items of the last batch (lot)
purchased are the first to be issued. Therefore, under this method the
prices of the last batch (lot) are used for pricing the issues, until it is
exhausted, and so on. If however, the quantity of issue is more than the
quantity of the latest lot, then earlier (lot) and its price will also be taken into
consideration.
During inflationary period or period of rising prices, the use of LIFO
would help to ensure that the cost of production determined on the above
basis is approximately the current one. This method is also useful specially
when there is a feeling that due to the use of FIFO or average methods, the
profits shown and tax paid are too high.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages Disadvantages
It may be noted that Last in First out (LIFO) is not permitted under
Accounting Standard (AS)-2: Valuation of Inventories and Ind AS- 2:
Inventories. However, for the purpose of academic knowledge LIFO
method is included in this Study Material
ILLUSTRATION 12
The following transactions in respect of material Y occurred during the six months
ended 30th September, 2022:
Required:
(a) The Chief Accountant argues that the value of closing stock remains the same
no matter which method of pricing of material issues is used. Do you agree?
Why or why not? EXPLAIN. Detailed stores ledgers are not required.
(b) STATE when and why would you recommend the LIFO method of pricing
material issues?
SOLUTION
(a) Total number of units purchased = 2,500
Chief Accountant that the value of closing stock remains the same no matter
which method of pricing the issue is used.
It may, however, be noted that the argument of Chief Accountant would not
stand if one finds the value of the Closing Stock at the end of each month.
(b) LIFO method has an edge over FIFO or any other method of pricing material
issues due to the following advantages:
(i) The cost of the materials issued will be either nearer or will reflect the
current market price. Thus, the cost of goods produced will be related
to the trend of the market price of materials. Such a trend in price of
materials enables the matching of cost of production with current
sales revenues.
(ii) The use of the method during the period of rising prices does not
reflect undue high profit in the income statement, as it was under the
first-in-first-out or average method. In fact, the profit shown here is
relatively lower because the cost of production takes into account the
rising trend of material prices.
(iii) In the case of falling prices, profit tends to rise due to lower material
cost, yet the finished products appear to be more competitive and are
at market price.
(iv) During the period of inflation, LIFO will tend to show the correct profit
and thus, avoid paying undue taxes to some extent.
ILLUSTRATION 13
The following information is provided by Sunrise Industries for the fortnight of April,
2023:
Material Exe:
Stock on 1-4-2023 100 units at ` 5 per unit.
Purchases
5-4-2023, 300 units at ` 6
8-4-2023, 500 units at ` 7
12-4-2023, 600 units at ` 8
Issues
6-4-2023, 250 units
10-4-2023, 400 units
14-4-2023, 500 units
Required:
(A) CALCULATE using FIFO and LIFO methods of pricing issues:
(a) the value of materials consumed during the period
(b) the value of stock of materials on 15-4-2023.
(B) EXPLAIN why the figures in (a) and (b) in part A of this question are different
under the two methods of pricing of material issues used. You need not draw
up the Stores Ledgers.
SOLUTION
(A) (a) Value of Material Exe consumed during the period
1-4-2023 to 15-4-2023 by using FIFO method.
Total value of material Exe consumed during the period under FIFO
method comes to (` 1,400 + ` 2,650 + ` 3,750) ` 7,800 and balance on
15-4-2023 is of ` 2,800.
Value of material Exe consumed during the period 01-4-2023 to
15-4-2023 by using LIFO method
(iv) Base Stock Method: Minimum quantity of stock under this method is
always held at a fixed price as reserve in the stock, to meet the state of
emergency, if it arises. This minimum stock is known as base stock and is
valued at a price at which the first lot of materials is received and remains
unaffected by subsequent price fluctuations.
This method of valuing inventory is different from other methods of valuing
issues, as the base stock of materials are valued at the original cost, whereas,
materials other than the base are valued using other methods like FIFO, LIFO
etc. This method is not an independent method as it uses FIFO or LIFO.
Advantages and disadvantages of this method depend upon the use of the
other method viz., FIFO or LIFO.
This method is suitable when the materials are received in uniform lots of
similar quantity, and prices do not fluctuate considerably.
Advantages Disadvantages
• This method is simple to use for • This method does not provide right
an entity which orders materials stock valuation when standard
in a lot of standard quantity, as quantity for purchase in a lot is not
only price per lot is taken to specified.
calculate average price
• In a stable price environment, • When price of materials fluctuates
this method gives a price which and the entity chooses to
approximates to the current customise the order quantity, the
market price. price under this method may differ
substantially from the current
market price.
(ii) Weighted Average Price Method: Unlike Simple Average Price method,
this method gives due weightage to quantities also. Under this method,
issue price is calculated by dividing sum of products of price and quantity by
total number quantities.
Example - 2: During the month of April, a company has made five purchases
as follows:
1st April, 200 units @ `10 each;
5th April, 150 units @ `12 each;
14th April, 210 units @ `12 each;
` 8,610
= = ` 11.48 each
750 units
This method is useful in case when quantity purchased under each lot is
different and price fluctuates frequently.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages Disadvantages
• It smoothens the price • Material cost does not represent
fluctuations, if at all it is there, actual cost price and therefore, a
due to material purchases. different profit or loss will arise
out of such a pricing method.
Advantages Disadvantages
• The use of the standard price • The use of standard price does
method simplifies the task of not reflect the market price and
valuing issues of materials. thus results in a different or
incorrect profit or loss.
• It facilitates the control of • The fixation of standard price
material cost and the task of becomes difficult when prices
judging the efficiency of fluctuate frequently
purchase department.
• It reduces the clerical work.
(ii) Inflated Price Method: In case material suffers loss in weight due to natural
or climatic factors, e.g., evaporation, the issue price of the material is inflated
to cover up the losses.
(iii) Re-use Price Method: When materials are rejected and returned to the
stores or a processed material is put to some other use, other than for the
purpose it is meant, then such materials are priced at a rate quite different
from the price paid for them originally. There is no final procedure for
valuing use of material.
(2) Include the materials in stock, as if they were fresh purchases at the original
issue price.
Loss of Material
(i) Waste: The portion of raw material which is lost during storage or
production and discarded. The waste may or may not have any value.
Treatment of Waste
Normal- Cost of normal waste is absorbed by good production units.
Abnormal- The cost of abnormal loss is transferred to Costing Profit and
loss account.
(ii) Scrap: The materials that result from production which are discarded and
disposed-off without further treatment. Generally, scrap has either no value
or insignificant value. Sometimes, it may be reintroduced into the process as
raw material.
Treatment of Scrap
Normal- The cost of scrap is borne by good units and income arises on
account of realisable value is deducted from the cost.
Abnormal- The scrap account should be charged with full cost. The credit is
given to the job or process concerned. The profit or loss in the scrap
account, on realisation, will be transferred to the Costing Profit and Loss
Account.
(iii) Spoilage: It is the term used for materials which are badly damaged in
manufacturing operations, that do not meet the specification required by
the customers and they cannot be rectified economically and hence taken
out of the process to be disposed off in some manner without further
processing.
Treatment of Spoilage
Normal- Normal spoilage (i.e., which is inherent in the operation) costs are
included in costs, either by charging the loss due to spoilage to the
production order or by charging it to the production overhead so that it is
spread over all the products.
Abnormal- The cost of abnormal spoilage (i.e., arising out of causes not
inherent in manufacturing process) is charged to the Costing Profit and Loss
Account. When spoiled work is the result of rigid specification, the cost of
spoiled work is absorbed by good production while the cost of disposal is
charged to production overhead.
The defectives which can be re-made as per the quality standard by using
additional materials are known as reworks. Reworks include repairs,
reconditioning and refurbishing.
Treatment of Defectives:
In the case of articles that have been spoiled, it is necessary to take steps to
reclaim as much of the loss as possible. For this purpose:
(i) All defective units should be sent to a place fixed for the purpose;
(iii) Goods and serviceable parts should be separated and taken back into
the stock;
Waste Scrap
Scrap Defectives
1. It is the loss connected with the 1. This type of loss is connected
output with the output as well as the
input.
2. Scraps are not intended but 2. Defectives also are not
cannot be eliminated due to intended but can be eliminated
the nature of material or through a proper control
process itself. system.
3. Generally, scraps are not used 3. Defectives can be used after
or rectified. rectification.
4. Scraps have insignificant 4. Defectives are sold at a lower
recoverable value. value from that of the good
one.
In all the three cases, the value of the obsolete material held in stock is a
total loss and immediate steps should be taken to dispose it off at the best
available price. The loss arising out of obsolete materials is an abnormal loss
and it does not form part of the cost of manufacture.
ILLUSTRATION 14
Imbrios India Ltd. is recently incorporated start-up company back in the year 2019.
It is engaged in creating Embedded products and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions
for the Industrial market. It is focused on innovation, design, research and
development of products and services. One of its embedded products is LogMax, a
system on module (SoM) Carrier board for industrial use. It is a small, flexible and
embedded computer designed as per industry specifications. In the beginning of the
month of September 2022, company entered into a job agreement of providing 4800
LogMax to NIT, Mandi. Following details w.r.t. issues, receipts, returns of Store
Department handling Micro-controller, a component used in the designated
assembling process have been extracted for the month of September, 2022:
On 25th September, 2022, the stock manager of the company expressed his need to
leave for his hometown due to certain contingency and immediately left the job
same day. Later, he also switched his phone off.
As the company has the tendency of stock-taking every end of the month to check
and report for the loss due to rusting of the components, the new stock manager, on
30th September, 2022, found that 900 units of Micro-controllers were missing which
was apparently misappropriated by the former stock manager. He, further, reported
loss of 300 units due to rusting of the components.
From the above information you are required to prepare the Stock Ledger account
using ‘Weighted Average’ method of valuing the issues.
SOLUTION
Store Ledger of Imbrios India Ltd. (Weighted Average Method)
* 900 units is abnormal loss, hence it will be transferred to Costing Profit & Loss
A/c.
** 300 units is normal loss; hence it will be absorbed by good units.
3. Each issue of materials should be recorded. One way of doing this is to use a
material requisition note. This note shows the details of materials issued for
the product of cost centre or the cost centre which is to be charged with
cost of materials.
4. A material return note is required for recording the excess materials
returned to the store. This note is required to ensure that original product of
cost centre is credited with the cost of material which was not used and that
the stock records are updated.
5. A material transfer note is required for recording the transfer of materials
from one product of cost centre to other or from one cost centre to other
cost centre.
6. The cost of materials issued would be determined according to stock
valuation method used.
Total
The material abstract statement serves a useful purpose. It, in fact, shows the
amount of material to be debited to various products & overheads. The total
amount of stores debited to various products & overheads should be the same as
the total value of stores issued in any period.
Some products costs may be overstated and others may be understated. But this
may not matter for financial accounting purposes, as long as total of individual
materials costs transactions are recorded i.e., transactions between cost centre
within the firm are recorded in a manner that facilitates analysis of costs for
assigning them to cost units.
The consumption entries in financial accounts are made on the basis of total cost of
purchases of materials after adjustment for opening and closing stock of materials.
The stock of materials is taken at cost or net realisable value, whichever is less.
SUMMARY
♦ Material Control: It is the systematic control over the procurement, storage
and usage of materials to maintain even flow of materials and avoiding at the
same time excessive investment in inventories.
♦ Material Requisition Note: Document used to authorize and record the issue
of materials from store.
♦ Purchase Requisition Note: Document is prepared by the storekeeper to
initiate the process of purchases.
♦ Purchase Order: It is a written request to the supplier to supply certain
specified materials at specified rates and within a specified period.
♦ Goods Received Note: This document is prepared by receiving department
which unpacks the goods received and verify the quantities and other details.
♦ Material Transfer Note: This document is prepared when the material is
transferred from one department to another.
♦ Material Return Note: It is a document given with the goods being returned
from factory back to the stores.
♦ Bin Card: A prime entry record of the quantity of stocks, kept on
in/out/balance, held in designated storage areas.
♦ Stores Ledger: A ledger containing a separate account for each item of
material and component stocked in store giving details of the receipts, issues
and balance both in terms of quantity and value.
♦ Minimum Level: It is the minimum quantity, which must be retained in stock
ROL- (Avg. consumption × Avg. Lead time)
♦ Maximum Level: It is the maximum limit up to which stock can be stored at
any time
ROL + ROQ – (Min consumption × Min Lead Time)
♦ High Cost, Medium Cost, Low Cost (HML) Inventory: Under this system,
inventory is classified on the basis of the cost of an individual item, unlike ABC
analysis where inventories are classified on the basis of overall value of inventory.
♦ Two bin system: If one bin items exhausts, new order is placed and in the mean
time, quantity from pthe smaller bin is used or issued.
♦ First-in First-out method: The materials received first are to be issued first when
material requisition is received. Materials left as closing stock will be at the price
of the latest purchases.
♦ Last-in First-out method: The materials purchased last are to be issued first
when material requisition is received. Closing stock is valued at the oldest
available stock price.
♦ Simple Average Method: Material Issue Price
Total of unit price of each purchase
=
Total number of Purchases
♦ Weighted Average Price Method: This method gives due weightage to
quantities purchased and the purchase price to determine the issue price.
Total cost of material in stock
Weighted Average Price =
Total quantity of materials
7. When material prices fluctuate widely, the method of pricing that gives absurd
results is
8. When prices fluctuate widely, the method that will smooth out the effect of
fluctuations is
(c) FIFO
(d) LIFO
9. Under the FSN system of inventory control, inventory is classified on the basis
of:
(a) Volume of material consumption
(d) Frequency of usage of items of inventory
(c) Criticality of the item of inventory for production
(d) Value of items of inventory
10. Form used for making a formal request to the purchasing department to
purchase materials is a - :
(a) Material Transfer Note
(b) Purchase Requisition Note
(c) Bill of Materials
(d) Material Requisition Note
Theoretical Questions
1. STATE how normal and abnormal loss of material arising during storage are
treated in Cost Accounts?
2. DISTINGUISH clearly between Bin cards and Stores Ledger.
3. DISCUSS the accounting treatment of defectives in Cost Accounts.
4. EXPLAIN the concept of "ABC Analysis" as a technique of inventory control.
5. DISTINGUISH between Re-order level and Re-order quantity.
6. EXPLAIN how is slow moving and non-moving item of stores detected and
what steps are necessary to reduce such stocks?
7. WRITE short notes on any three of the following:
Practical Problems
1. Anil & Company buys its annual requirement of 36,000 units in 6 instalments.
Each unit costs ` 1 and the ordering cost is `25. The inventory carrying cost is
estimated at 20% of unit value. FIND the total annual cost of the existing
inventory policy. CALCULATE, how much money can be saved by Economic
Order Quantity?
2. A Company manufactures a special product which requires a component
‘Alpha’. The following particulars are collected for the year 2022-23:
FERTILIZER
Super Grow Nature’s Own
Annual demand 2,000 bags 1,280 bags
Relevant ordering cost per purchase ` 1,200 ` 1,400
order
Annual relevant carrying cost per bag ` 480 ` 560
Required:
(i) COMPUTE EOQ for Super Grow and Nature’s own.
(ii) For the EOQ, WHAT is the sum of the total annual relevant ordering
costs and total annual relevant carrying costs for Super Grow and
Nature’s own?
(iii) For the EOQ, COMPUTE the number of deliveries per year for Super
Grow and Nature’s own.
4. A Company uses three raw materials A, B and C for a particular product for
which the following data apply:
A 10 10,000 10 1 2 3 8,000 ?
B 4 5,000 30 3 4 5 4,750 ?
C 6 10,000 15 2 3 4 ? 2,000
Weekly production varies from 175 to 225 units, averaging 200 units of the
said product. COMPUTE the following quantities:
(i) Minimum stock of A,
(ii) Maximum stock of B,
(iii) Re-order level of C,
(iv) Average stock level of A.
5. (a) EXE Limited has received an offer of quantity discounts on its order of
materials as under:
The annual requirement for the material is 5,000 tons. The ordering cost
per order is `R 1,200 and the stock holding cost is estimated at 20% of
material cost per annum. You are required to COMPUTE the most
economical purchase level.
(b) WHAT will be your answer to the above question if there are no
discounts offered and the price per ton is ` 1,500?
7. G. Ltd. produces a product which has a monthly demand of 4,000 units. The
product requires a component X which is purchased at ` 20. For every finished
product, one unit of component is required. The ordering cost is
` 120 per order and the holding cost is 10% p.a.
Purchases:
Jan. 1 100 @ ` 1 per unit
Jan. 20 100 @ ` 2 per unit
Issues:
Jan. 22 60 for Job W 16
Jan. 23 60 for Job W 17
Complete the receipts and issues valuation by adopting the First-In-First-Out,
Last-In-First-Out and the Weighted Average Method. TABULATE the values
allocated to Job W 16, Job W 17 and the closing stock under the methods
aforesaid and discuss from different points of view which method you would
prefer.
Case Scenarios
1. The purchase committee of A Ltd. has been entrusted to review the material
procurement policy of the company. The chief marketing manager has
appraised the committee that the company at present produces a single
product X by using two raw materials A and B in the ratio of 3:2. Material A is
perishable in nature and has to be used within 10 days from Goods received
note (GRN) date otherwise material becomes obsolete. Material B is durable in
nature and can be used even after one year. Material A is purchased from the
local market within 1 to 2 days of placing order. Material B, on the other hand,
is purchased from neighbouring state and it takes 2 to 4 days to receive the
material in the store.
The purchase price of per kilogram of raw material A and B is `30 and `44
respectively exclusive of taxes. To place an order, the company has to incur an
administrative cost of `1,200. Carrying cost for Material A and B is 15% and
5% respectively. At present material A is purchased in a lot of 15,000 kg. to
avail 10% discount on market price. GST applicable for both the materials is
18% and the input tax credit is availed.
The sales department has provided an estimate that the company could sell
30,000 kg. in January 2024 and also projected the same trend for the entire
year.
The ratio of input and output is 5:3. Company works for 25 days in a month
and production is carried out evenly.
The following queries/ calculations to be kept ready for purchase committees’
reference:
(i) For the month of January 2024, what would be the quantity of the
materials to be requisitioned for both material A and B:
(a) 9,000 kg & 6,000 kg respectively
(b) 18,000 kg & 12,000 kg respectively
(c) 27,000 kg & 18,000 kg respectively
(d) 30,000 kg & 20,000 kg respectively.
(ii) The economic order quantity (EOQ) for both the material A & B:
(a) 13,856 kg & 16,181 kg respectively
(b) 16,197 kg & 17,327 kg respectively
(c) 16,181 kg & 17,165 kg respectively
(d) 13,197 kg & 17,165 kg respectively
(iii) What would the maximum stock level for material A:
(a) 18,200 kg.
(b) 12,000 kg.
(c) 16,000 kg.
(d) 16,200 kg.
(iv) Calculate saving/ loss in purchase of Material A if the purchase order
quantity is equal to EOQ.
(a) Profit of ` 3,21,201.
(b) Loss of ` 3,21,201.
(c) Profit of ` 2,52,500.
(d) Loss of ` 2,52,500.
ANSWERS
Answers to the MCQs
1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (b) 6. (b)
(`)
2×36,000×25
EOQ = = 3000 units
` 1×20%
(`)
No. of orders = 36,000 ÷3,000 units = 12 orders
(`)
Purchase Cost (8,000 units × ` 400) 32,00,000
Ordering Cost [(8,000 units/200 units) × ` 200] 8,000
Carrying Cost (200 units × `400 × ½ × 20/100) 8,000
Total Cost 32,16,000
(`)
Purchase Cost (8,000 units × ` 384*) 30,72,000
Ordering Cost [(8,000 units/4000 units) × ` 400
200]
Carrying Cost (4000 units × ` 384 × ½ × 1,53,600
20/100)
Total Cost 32,26,000
2AO
3. EOQ =
C
Where,
A = Annual Demand
O = Ordering cost per order
C = Inventory carrying cost per unit per annum
(i) Calculation of EOQ
(ii) Total annual relevant cost = Total annual relevant ordering costs +
Total annual relevant carrying cost
(iii) Number of deliveries for Super Grow and Nature’s own fertilizer per
Annual demand for fertilizer bags
year =
EOQ
OR
Re-order level of C
= Minimum level of C + [Average rate of consumption × Average
time required to obtain fresh delivery]
= 2,000 + [(200 × 6) × 3] kgs = 5,600 kgs.
(iv) Average stock level of A
= Minimum stock level of A + ½ Re-order quantity of A
= 4,000 + ½ × 10,000 = 4,000 + 5,000 = 9,000 kgs
OR
Average Stock level of A
Minimum stock level of A + Maximum stock level of A
=
2
(Refer to working note)
4,000 + 16,250
= 10,125 kgs
2
Working note:
Maximum stock of A = ROL+ ROQ – (Minimum consumption ×
Minimum re-order period)
= 8,000 + 10,000 – [(175 × 10) × 1] = 16,250 kgs
5. (a)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
(13)*
(2)* 2,400
2AO
EOQ =
C
6. Basic Data:
A (Number of units to be purchased annually) = 5,00,000 units
O (Ordering cost per order) = ` 4,000
Working Notes:
1. Minimum rate of consumption per day
Minimum rate of Maximum rate of
+
Av. rate of consumption consumption
=
consumption 2
B. Total cost when order size is equal EOQ i.e. 2,400 units:
= ` 5,440 – ` 4,800
= ` 640
(iii) Minimum carrying cost: Carrying cost depends upon the size of
the order. It will be minimum on the least order size. (In this part
of the question the two order sizes are 2,400 units and 4,000
units. Here 2,400 units is the least of the two order sizes. At this
order size carrying cost will be minimum.)
The minimum carrying cost in this case can be computed as
under:
1
Minimum carrying cost = × 2,400 units × 10% × ` 20 = ` 2,400.
2
8. Working Notes:
1. The material received as replacement from vendor is treated as fresh
supply.
2. In the absence of any information, the price of the material returned
from a user department on 20-9-22 has been taken at the price of the
latest issue made on 17-9-22. In FIFO method, physical flow of the
material is irrelevant, and issue price is based on first in first out.
3. The issue of material on 26-9-22 is made out of the material received
from a user department on 20-9-22.
4. The entries for transfer of materials from one job and department to
another on 22-9-22 and 29-9-22 respectively, do not affect the store
ledger. However, adjustment entries to calculation of cost of respective
jobs and departments are made in cost accounts.
5. The material found short as a result of stock taking has been written
off at relevant issue price.
MRR
No.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
17 6.50
6-9-22 26 50 5.75 287.50 — — — — 398.00
50 5.75
5 6.50
7-9-22 — — — — 97 12 6.50 78 320.00
50 5.75
6.50
10-9-22 — — — — Return 10 5.75 57.50 262.50
40 5.75
5 6.50
12-9-22 — — — — 108 90 30 5.75 172.50
10 5.75
10 5.75
15-9-22 33 25 6.10 152.50 — — — — 210.00
25 6.10
17-9-22 — — — — 121 10 5.75 57.50 25 6.10 152.50
25 6.10
19-9-22 38 10 5.75 57.50 — — — — 210.00
10 5.75
5 5.75
10 5.75
5 5.75 20 6.10
26-9-22 — — — — 146 59.25 179.50
18 6.10
30-9-22 — — — — Shortage 2 6.10 12.20 167.30
10 5.75
MATERIAL COST
2.95
2.96 COST AND MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING
2.96
2.96
9. From the point of view of cost of material charged to each job, it is minimum
under FIFO and maximum under LIFO (Refer to Tables). During the period of
rising prices, the use of FIFO give rise to high profits and that of LIFO low
profits. In the case of weighted average, there is no significant adverse or
favourable effect on the cost of material as well as on profits.
From the point of view of valuation of closing stock, it is apparent from the
above statement, that it is maximum under FIFO, moderate under weighted
average and minimum under LIFO.
It is clear from the tables that the use of weighted average evens out the
fluctuations in the prices. Under this method, the cost of materials issued to
the jobs and the cost of material in hands reflects greater uniformity than
under FIFO and LIFO. Thus, from different points of view, weighted average
method is preferred over LIFO and FIFO.
Statement of receipts and issues by adopting First-in-First-Out Method
Particulars Receipts Issues Balance
Date Units Rate Value Units Rate Value Units Rate Value
No. (`) (`) No. (`) (`) No. (`) (`)
Jan. 1 Purchase 100 1 100 — — — 100 1 100
100 1 100
Jan. 20 Purchase 100 2 200 — — —
100 2 200
Issue to Job 40 1 40
Jan. 22 — — — 60 1 60
W 16 100 2 200
Issue to Job 40 1 40
Jan. 23 — — — 80 2 160
W 17 20 2 40
2×(30,000×12)×1,200
=� = 13,856 kg.
15% of 30
2×(20,000×12)×1,200
Material B =� = 16,181 kg.
5% of 44