The Just in Time (JIT) style of inventory management – also sometimes referred to as the Toyota Production System (TPS) – is a strategy of managing inventory and/or production that links the ordering of raw materials to production scheduling. It differs from other strategies of inventory maintenance.

Why Do Companies Use the Just in Time Method?

Companies utilize the Just in Time method of inventory accounting so that it directly aligns with the goods they are producing. They create goods directly related to the orders being placed, instead of making extra goods to meet the needs of any potential orders that may be placed.

The JIT method ultimately helps companies cut down on waste from making too many products (or supplying too many goods). Therefore, they don’t use up raw materials that may or may not actually be necessary to fulfill the orders they have. In turn, it cuts down on the costs they have for inventory, freeing up cash flow.

Originated by Toyota, the JIT inventory/production system has since become popular with other major manufacturing companies such as Harley-Davidson Motorcycles and Dell Computers.