What is the main purpose of combining ABC and VED analyses?

• A. To classify items by supplier performance.
• B. To determine reorder quantities solely by value.
• C. To align inventory control with both value and clinical criticality.
• D. To reduce inventory to zero.

Answer: (C)

Combining ABC and VED analyses focuses on managing inventory by both how much items cost to stock and how critical they are for patient care. ABC looks at annual consumption value to identify items that contribute most to overall inventory cost, while VED classifies items by clinical importance—Vital, Essential, and Non-essential. Using them together creates an ABC–VED approach, which guides how tightly each item is controlled: the most attention goes to items that are both high-value and clinically vital, ensuring they are always available and properly stocked, while less critical or lower-cost items can be managed with looser controls to avoid unnecessary overstock. This dual lens prevents relying on value alone and prioritizes patient safety and efficient use of resources.