Materiel (more commonly matériel in American English, also listed as single spelling in some English dictionaries, both pronounced / məˌtɪəriˈɛl /, from French: matériel, lit. ' equipment, hardware ') refers to supplies, equipment and weapons in military supply chain management, and typically supply and equipment only in the context of a commercial supply chain. [citation needed]
In the military context, the term "material" refers to the general meaning of the specific needs of a force (excluding manpower) or the needs of a functioning army (excluding manpower) to complete a specific task. [Citation needed]
Materials management consists of ongoing actions related to planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, controlling and evaluating the implementation of resources to ensure effective and economic support of military forces.
It includes acquisition, cataloging, requirement determination, acquisition, distribution, maintenance and disposal. The terms "material management", "material control", "inventory control", "inventory management" and "supply management" are synonymous.
Military equipment is often shipped to and used in harsh climates without controlled warehouses or stationary material handling equipment. Packaging and labeling often need to meet strict technical specifications to help ensure proper delivery and end use. [7]
In the context of commercial distribution, Materiel refers to the products of the business, unlike those involved in the operation of the business itself.
