Which of the following best defines just-in-time (JIT) inventory?

Just-in-time (JIT) inventory is best defined by its emphasis on reducing waste and cost throughout the supply chain. This inventory management approach seeks to align production schedules with demand, ensuring that materials and products arrive precisely when they are needed in the production process, rather than being stored in large quantities. The central idea behind JIT is to minimize inventory levels, which reduces holding costs and the risk of obsolescence while improving cash flow.

By focusing on timely delivery, JIT helps streamline operations, enhances efficiency, and supports a more responsive production system that can adapt to changing customer demands. In contrast, strategies that rely on large quantities of storage, static inventory methods, or bulk purchasing do not align with the principles of JIT, which advocates for agility and lean management practices in inventory control.