What type of systems help minimize product touches from creation to customer purchase?

Inventory management systems play a crucial role in minimizing product touches from creation to customer purchase because they efficiently track and manage the flow of goods. By optimizing inventory levels and managing supply chain processes, these systems ensure that products are available when needed without unnecessary handling or delays. This reduces the number of times a product is accessed, thus enhancing efficiency and reducing the risk of damage or errors during the handling process.

The goal of inventory management is to strike a balance between having enough stock to meet customer demand while minimizing excess inventory that can lead to unnecessary touches, such as multiple transfers between storage locations or frequent stocktaking. By utilizing strategies like Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory, businesses can further reduce the amount of time products are held in inventory, speeding up the journey from production to purchase.

Other options relate to different management aspects—production management systems focus on planning and controlling the production process, quality management systems address product quality, and human resources systems are centered around workforce management. While all these are important for operational efficiency, they do not specifically target the reduction of product touches in the way that inventory management systems do.