The purpose of this Global Accounting Practice is to draw attention to possible consignment inventory situations and the associated accounting implications. Topics include:
• Definition of consignment inventory
• How to account for inventory consigned to Caterpillar
• Reporting and documenting standards as they relate to consignment inventory
As the company continues to reduce costs and improve processes and efficiencies through 6 Sigma, questions related to direct and indirect inventory ownership occur. This is particularly true in dealing with the topic of consignment inventory.
Caterpillar has achieved significant cash flow benefits over the years with our inventory methodologies. To continue those benefits, strict compliance with financial accounting rules plus internal procedures and reporting processes is required. To the extent that Caterpillar can reduce financial position risk by shifting inventory risk of ownership to a supplier, and when it makes economic sense, we should do so. However, we must change more than the timing of the payment to the supplier. We must alter or eliminate the obligation relative to material ownership. In order to meet Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) and U.S. GAAP reporting requirements and comply with our inventory accounting methodologies, we must not exclude inventory from the financial position unless we have truly managed the risk such that the supplier bears more risk of loss than Caterpillar.
The complicated nature of this topic combined with the more stringent control environment and risk management awareness that is now part of our financial reporting culture makes this a difficult subject that should be addressed on a case-by-case basis. As you have questions or become aware of issues related to consignment inventory for direct or indirect material, please contact Corporate Accounting Services for further guidance.