Vendor-managed inventory (VMI) is a type of supply chain collaboration where the supplier takes responsibility for managing the inventory levels and replenishment orders of the buyer. VMI provides a benefit to the buying company in several ways, such as improving service levels, reducing stockouts, increasing visibility, and enhancing trust. One of the specific benefits of VMI is that it reduces administrative expenses for the buying company. Administrative expenses are the costs associated with the general operations and management of the business, such as salaries, rent, utilities, office supplies, and communication. VMI reduces administrative expenses by eliminating or simplifying the tasks related to inventory management, such as forecasting, ordering, invoicing, and payment. VMI also reduces administrative expenses by streamlining the communication and coordination between the buyer and the supplier, and by reducing the errors and disputes that may arise from inventory discrepancies.

References: CPIM Exam Content Manual Version 7.0, Domain 7: Plan and Manage Distribution, Section 7.1: Develop Distribution Plans, Subsection 7.1.3: Describe how to develop supplier-customer relationships (page 66).