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Glite Dictionary
just-in-time

just-in-time

4 5.0
A system that makes or gets parts exactly when needed to avoid keeping stock
  • adjective
  • /ˈdʒʌst ɪn taɪm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : justo a tiempo
  • To stay competitive, many businesses rely on just-in-time strategies to ensure that materials arrive precisely when needed.
  • just-in-time delivery
  • just-in-time manufacturing
  • just-in-time inventory

Examples

  • South University may have found the answer with its system of "just-in-time" help and instruction.

    Blog text (22)

  • Do domestic suppliers interested in just-in-time delivery really want to have all their products imported from China?

    Blog text (20)

  • The same competition driving just-in-time delivery also mandates greater levels of oversight and control throughout the international transportation process.

    Academic text (2000)

  • The company established a just-in-time inventory program, reduced on-hand inventory, and generally saw the manufacturing floor humming along.

    Academic text (2005)

  • Manufacturers worried about disruptions of supplies began to rethink "just-in-time" inventories and other efficiencies that depended on quick and uninterrupted transportation.

    Academic text (2004)

  • The factory implemented a just-in-time production system to minimize waste and maximize efficiency.

  • Companies that adopt just-in-time inventory practices can reduce their storage costs significantly.

Antonyms

overstocked
1 3.9

A place that has more goods than it can sell

How Timely

real-time
  • Specialized
57 4.3
just-in-time
  • Specialized
4 5.0
on demand
23 3.2

Surface Forms

just-in-time positive

Morphology

just-in-time = just + time (semi-transparent) = in + just + time

The phrase clearly suggests something happening exactly when needed, but its specialized use for a production or inventory method is a conventional technical extension. [Postprocessing: moved 'in' from base_words to prefix]

Etymology

Just-in-time literally joins just ('exactly') and in time ('at the right moment'), and it became famous from a way of making cars in Japan (Toyota) where parts arrive only when needed. So, a just-in-time system cuts storage by getting or making parts exactly when they are needed.