Inventory management
| English | Chinese | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| just-in-time | 准时制 | zhǔn shí zhì |
| stock | 存货 | cún huò |
| inventory | 库存 | kù cún |
| delivery | 交货 | jiāo huò |
| re-order level | 再订货水平 | zài dìng huò shuǐ píng |
| buffer stock | 缓冲库存 | huǎn chōng kù cún |
| lead time | 交货周期 | jiāo huò zhōu qī |
| just-in-case | 备货制 | bèi huò zhì |
| suppliers | 供应商 | gōng yìng shāng |
Just enough, just in time 准时制
- Too little stock 存货 and production halts; too much and cash is tied up in a warehouse.
- Inventory 库存 (stock) management walks this tightrope.
Leadership style lab
Pick the management style that fits each situation.
On a stock control chart, the re-order level is the stock level at which:
Reaching the re-order level triggers a new order.
The stock control chart
- As stock is used up, it falls; when a delivery 交货 arrives, it jumps back to the maximum.
- Key levels: maximum, re-order level 再订货水平 (place an order), and buffer stock 缓冲库存 (the safety minimum).
Stock falls as it is used, then deliveries return it to the maximum, never falling below the buffer.
Buffer stock is held to:
Buffer stock is a safety minimum.
Lead time is the gap between placing an order and receiving the delivery.
Longer lead times require higher buffer stock.
Lead time 交货周期 and buffer stock
- Lead time is the gap between ordering and delivery.
- Buffer stock is the minimum held to cope with delays or demand spikes.
A benefit of just-in-time (JIT) is that it:
JIT minimises stock and frees cash, but relies on reliable supply.
Holding extra stock for safety, in case of problems, is the just-in-______ approach.
Just-in-case holds buffer stock; just-in-time holds almost none.
JIT vs JIC
- Just-in-time (JIT): hold almost no stock; materials arrive as needed. Frees cash, but risky if supply fails.
- Just-in-case 备货制 (JIC): hold buffer stock for safety. Reliable, but ties up cash.
Just-in-time holds almost no stock; just-in-case keeps a buffer for safety
JIT saves cash but removes the safety net. With no buffer stock, a single late delivery stops production. JIT needs very reliable suppliers 供应商 — its strength is also its weakness.
You've got it
- the stock control chart shows usage, re-order level, deliveries and buffer stock
- lead time = order-to-delivery gap; buffer stock = safety minimum
- JIT (no stock) frees cash but is risky; JIC (buffer stock) is safer but ties up cash