Just-in-Time versus Just-in-Case: Inventory systems and their potential impact on Caribbean Companies

The transition from Just-In-Time to Just-In-Case inventory systems has been discussed for over twenty years. The implications for such a change are possibly more problematic for Caribbean companies and economies than for others. The paper examines the root of the problem, the implications if such a change were to occur, and the possible strategies that could be used to adapt to a new supply chain system. Data from primary industry and fresh produce companies is used to evaluate the extent to which the change has already occurred. Based on US Company data, the results indicate that to this point there has been no shift from Just-in-Time to Just-in-Case. However, planning for such an eventuality would probably be good practice.