What is the primary function of "dispatching" in inventory management?

The primary function of dispatching in inventory management focuses on assigning and scheduling tasks for order fulfillment. This process involves coordinating the movement of goods and ensuring that orders are picked, packed, and shipped to meet customer demand efficiently and in a timely manner. Dispatching is crucial for maintaining flow in the supply chain, as it helps to optimize resource utilization, manage workforce activities, and streamline operations.

In the context of inventory management, effective dispatching ensures that the right products reach the right customers at the right time, which directly impacts customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. By prioritizing and scheduling tasks related to order fulfillment, dispatching plays a vital role in maintaining an organized inventory system.

The other options relate to functions that, while important in their own right, do not specifically capture the primary focus of dispatching. For instance, scheduling maintenance on equipment pertains to maintenance management rather than inventory tasks, conducting inventory audits relates to stock verification and accuracy rather than order processing, and processing supplier invoices is a financial activity that does not involve the actual movement or fulfillment of inventory.