In decades past, manufacturers relied heavily on what is now described as a just in case (JIC) philosophy. The JIC model of acquiring and storing loads of excess parts and materials for later use made a lot of sense at the time according to Kevin Brandes, the CEO of logistics brokerage CargoQuotes, given how much less robust and efficient the shipping industry was.
With its small, densely-populated landmass and well-developed infrastructure, Japan was the perfect breeding ground for a new, more efficient logistics model that was developed by Toyota in the 1970’s called just in time (JIT). Rather than maintaining an abundance of on-site materials, deliveries are instead timed to replace materials right as they’re about to run out.