Types of Raw Materials

What are Raw Materials?

Raw materials are basic substances or things that haven’t been changed much yet and are super important for making stuff. Companies need these raw materials to create their products. These materials are usually taken from nature and then turned into other things that companies use to make their final products. Raw materials are a crucial part of how companies manage their stuff and make the things they sell. Accountants keep track of these materials by putting them under current assets on the company’s list of things they own. But sometimes, the prices of these raw materials can go up and down a lot because of things like how much people want them, problems in making them, and rules from the government. So, managing and keeping an eye on raw materials is a big deal for firms....

Sources of Raw Materials

1. Mined Raw Materials: These are resources obtained from the Earth, encompassing a variety of substances like lime, sand, soil, oil, ores, stones, metals, minerals, and coal. Mined raw materials play a crucial role in various industries, serving as the foundation for the production of diverse goods....

Importance of Raw Materials

1. Diversity in Usage: Raw materials play a pivotal role in the manufacturing processes across various industries, contributing to the creation of diverse products, including but not limited to food, clothing, electronics, and automobiles. They serve as the foundational elements necessary for the production of goods, showcasing a range from natural materials like wood, cotton, and minerals to synthetic counterparts such as plastics and chemicals....

Accounting for Raw Materials

1. Recording Process: When companies acquire raw materials, the initial step involves recording these materials in the raw materials inventory as a current asset on the balance sheet. This is executed through a debit to the raw materials inventory account and a corresponding credit to accounts payable, establishing a comprehensive record of the acquired inventory....

Types of Raw Materials

1. Direct Materials: Direct materials are fundamental components, typically in their raw or unprocessed state, that companies directly use in the manufacturing of finished products. These materials are essential for the final product’s composition. When a company incorporates direct materials into the manufacturing process, the work-in-process account is debited, reflecting the usage of these materials. On the other hand, when there is no inventory of direct materials, a credit is made to the work-in-process account. This accounting process helps track the consumption and availability of direct materials in the manufacturing workflow, contributing to accurate cost calculations....

Examples of Raw Materials

1. Direct Raw Materials: Direct raw materials involved in furniture manufacturing include timber, wood, cushions, padding for chairs, and cloth fabric for covering chairs. These materials are directly associated with the production of tables and chairs. When calculating the cost on a per-unit basis, these direct raw materials can be precisely traced to each unit, contributing to the overall cost efficiency....

Difference Between Direct Raw Materials and Indirect Raw Materials

Basis Direct Raw Materials Indirect Raw Materials Definition Direct raw materials are substances that are an integral part of the finished product and are used directly in its manufacturing process. Indirect raw materials, on the other hand, are not part of the final product but play a crucial role in the overall production process. Traceability Direct raw materials are easily identifiable and can be directly linked to each unit produced. This traceability is crucial for tracking costs and ensuring accurate allocation. Indirect raw materials lack direct traceability to the individual units produced. Their usage is more generalized across the production process, making it challenging to attribute costs to specific units. Cost Incurrence The cost of direct raw materials is directly incurred in the manufacturing process. It is included in the cost of goods sold (COGS), as these materials contribute directly to the production of the finished goods. The cost of indirect raw materials is not directly linked to the cost of goods sold. Instead, it is included in manufacturing overhead. This cost is then allocated to the final product as part of the overall production cost. Reporting Direct raw materials are reported as a current asset on the balance sheet since they are part of the inventory until they are used in production. Indirect raw materials are included in manufacturing overhead, and their cost is allocated to the final product. They are not separately reported on the balance sheet as a current asset. Importance Understanding the distinction between direct and indirect raw materials is critical for accurate inventory management and cost accounting. It allows businesses to track costs more precisely and make informed decisions about production efficiency. The differentiation between direct and indirect raw materials is essential for making informed decisions about material usage and managing associated costs. It helps in the accurate allocation of overhead costs and overall cost control....

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does the manufacturing of raw materials involve?...