The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 ("SOX") puts a new emphasis on timeliness & transparency in financial reporting, and the importance of internal controls in managing a public company. This paper provides solutions to achieve the "quality and timeliness" required by SOX Sections 404 & 409, and focuses on weaknesses found within inventory control and asset management operations. With the right processes & technology, the path to SOX readiness for managers charged with assets and inventory can be smoother & easier on the budget. This paper highlights:

• Risk in business processes
• The impact of information systems and data in enforcing process controls
• The "Tone at the Top" business environment established by managers and company culture
• A global manufacturer who saves $2.5 million through SOX-driven improvement in inventory control