Note 5. Inventories

The components of inventories, net of allowances, are as follows (in thousands):


	December 31,		December 31,
	2019		2018
Finished goods	$	15,319	$	15,577
Work in process		778		1,139
Raw materials and supplies		5,208		7,667
	$	21,305	$	24,383

The Company maintains an allowance for excess and obsolete inventory, as well as inventory where its cost is in excess of its net realizable value. The activity in the allowance for excess and obsolete inventory account for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, was as follows (in thousands):



		December 31,		December 31,
		2019		2018
Balance at beginning of period	$	1,561	$	3,067
Provision		2,322		2,926
Charges processed		(2,814)		(4,432)
Balance at end of period	$	1,069	$	1,561