What best describes independent demand items?

Independent demand items refer to products or finished goods that are sold directly to customers and are not tied to the manufacturing or assembly of other products. These items have demand that is driven by customer preferences, market conditions, and other external factors rather than being dependent on the production of other items.

In this context, finished goods that are shipped as end items to customers epitomize independent demand because their demand is typically forecasted based on sales history, market analysis, and consumer trends. This demand is not influenced by the demand for other products, making it distinct from components or raw materials, which rely on the internal productions of other items.

Other options describe aspects of the supply chain related to dependent demand. For example, items manufactured only for internal use represent a focus on internal supply requirements, while parts required to assemble other products and materials held for manufacturing processes are related to dependent demand, as their demand is contingent upon the production schedules and needs of finished goods.