Operations
JIT (Just-In-Time)
A production strategy that aligns raw material orders and production scheduling with actual demand, minimizing inventory and waste by receiving goods only as they are needed.
Biological Context
JIT mirrors how organisms allocate resources only when needed rather than maintaining large reserves. Many cellular processes are demand-driven—enzymes are produced in response to substrate availability rather than stockpiled. This efficiency comes with vulnerability to supply disruption.
Business Application
Toyota pioneered JIT manufacturing. It reduces carrying costs and forces quality improvement (no buffer inventory to hide problems) but creates fragility when supply chains are disrupted.