What is a key characteristic of the JIT inventory strategy?

The key characteristic of the Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory strategy is that it minimizes carrying costs associated with inventory. This strategy is designed to align inventory levels with the actual demand for products, meaning that materials are ordered and received only as they are needed in the production process. By reducing the amount of inventory held at any time, businesses can significantly decrease their storage costs, minimize waste, and reduce the risks of obsolescence and spoilage.

With JIT, companies seek to maintain only the necessary inventory to meet immediate customer demand, which streamlines operations and increases efficiency. This approach stands in contrast to traditional inventory methods that often involve holding large quantities of stock to prevent stockouts, which can lead to increased carrying costs over time.