The aim of effective inventory management is to protect the blood supply chain, ensuring continuous service provision whilst minimizing wastage, without jeopardising the treatment to patients. Decisions and processes carried out across the whole supply chain are based on a trade-off of shortage against wastage with potentially lethal consequences in the case of a ‘stock out’, therefore the need to ensure both the safe storage and efficient use of our components is paramount. This section highlights best practice for managing blood stocks, reviewing data and monitoring trends to improve performance and reduce wastage alongside the importance of blood conservation. Links to national guidance for emergency blood management plans can be accessed here.