Just-in-Time Delivery vs Supply Disruption Risk
Apply just-in-time only to reliable, low-risk materials; hold strategic inventory or dual sources for critical components with volatile supply chains.
CyberTRIZ analysis · RealEstateConstruction contradiction SCM027 · one of 8,235 worked contradictions published by CyberTRIZ.AI
Business Context
Just-in-time delivery can minimize inventory, storage, handling, and working-capital requirements. However, tightly synchronized supply leaves little protection against transportation delays, supplier failures, weather events, customs problems, or production variability.
Real Estate & Construction TRIZ Resolution
Delivery precision should vary according to supply reliability and schedule criticality. Predictable local materials can operate with minimal buffers, while high-risk or critical components use strategic inventory, alternative sources, or earlier delivery. Buffer capacity should therefore be selective rather than universal.
Applicable TRIZ Principles
Principle 3 – Local Quality assigns different delivery strategies according to supply risk.
Principle 11 – Beforehand Cushioning provides targeted buffers for critical items.
Principle 23 – Feedback adjusts delivery timing according to current supply and production information.
Expected Outcome
Lower inventory requirements
Greater supply continuity
Reduced site storage
Improved response to disruption
Decision Indicators
Early indicators include:
Minor transportation delays stop site production.
All materials use identical just-in-time policies regardless of risk.
Emergency deliveries become frequent.
Inventory reduction increases schedule volatility.
Critical activities depend on single deliveries arriving exactly as planned.