just-in-case

This is the opposite of just-in-time. They are both systems for managing inventory for production.  Just-in-time (JIT) supplies materials more or less just as they are needed whereas just-in-case (JIC) secures materials ahead of time to make sure that they are available when they are needed.  Everyone agrees that JIT is the superior system. You don’t need to have warehouses to store materials and there is little waste.  With JIC you need warehouses and people to manage the stored materials.  But in a world where supply lines are fractured by wars, JIC is the most reliable system to assure smooth production and delivery of goods.  When the risks to the supply chain are low, JIT is the obvious choice, but when the risks are high, JIC becomes the safe option as businesses have discovered in recent times.

Sue ButlerComment