This metric represents the total value of merchandise a business has ready to sell during a specific period. It is determined by summing the value of beginning inventory with the cost of purchases made throughout the same accounting cycle. For example, if a company starts the month with \$10,000 worth of inventory and purchases an additional \$5,000 worth of goods, the value of available merchandise totals \$15,000.
Understanding the total potential supply is crucial for effective inventory management, financial reporting, and strategic decision-making. It provides a benchmark for analyzing sales performance, calculating cost of goods sold, and ultimately, determining profitability. Historically, tracking this figure manually was time-consuming; modern accounting software now automates the process, offering improved accuracy and efficiency.