The Procurement Glossary » Just-in-Case (JIC)

Just-in-Case (JIC)

Inventory & Logistics

Definition

An inventory strategy of holding extra stock to buffer against disruption, prioritising resilience over lean efficiency.

Explanation

Just-in-case is the counterpoint to JIT: more safety stock and buffer inventory to withstand supply shocks. Recent disruptions have pushed many firms toward a JIC or hybrid posture for critical items despite higher carrying cost.

Example

After pandemic shortages, the firm shifts critical components to just-in-case with three months' buffer.

Related terms

• Just-in-Time (JIT) — An inventory strategy where materials arrive exactly when needed, minimising stock held.
• Safety Stock — Extra inventory held as a buffer against variability in demand or supply, to reduce the risk of stockouts.
• Business Continuity Planning (BCP) — Planning to keep critical operations running, or recover them quickly, when disruption strikes.
• Supply Risk — The risk that supply of a good or service is disrupted, constrained or made more costly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Just-in-Case (JIC)?

An inventory strategy of holding extra stock to buffer against disruption, prioritising resilience over lean efficiency. Just-in-case is the counterpoint to JIT: more safety stock and buffer inventory to withstand supply shocks. Recent disruptions have pushed many firms toward a JIC or hybrid posture for critical items despite higher carrying cost.

Can you give an example of Just-in-Case (JIC)?

After pandemic shortages, the firm shifts critical components to just-in-case with three months' buffer.

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