Couverture de l’UE : Huit premières fiches : une par thème et une méthode de présentation. Il reste à développer les sous-thèmes, la veille d’actualité et l’entraînement oral avec interaction.
Objectif : Expliquer un arbitrage entre coût et continuité d’activité.
Inventory has both benefits and costs
Inventory can help a company respond to demand or protect itself against supply disruptions. It also uses cash, requires storage and may become obsolete. A low inventory policy can reduce these costs but increase vulnerability to delays.
Just-in-time aims to coordinate supply closely with production needs. A more precautionary approach holds buffers against uncertainty. Neither approach is always best: the choice depends on supplier reliability, demand variability and the consequences of a stockout.
Link strategy to a case
For a critical component with no quick substitute, a safety buffer may be justified. For a short-lived fashion item, excess inventory may create a greater risk. Explain the context before making a recommendation.
Exercice
Why might a manufacturer hold extra stock of a low-cost but essential component?
Afficher le corrigé expliqué
A shortage of the component could stop the entire production line. A limited buffer may cost less than the disruption it prevents, particularly if replacement supplies have a long lead time.
Question de validation
A major risk of excess inventory is…
Obsolescence and cash tied up in stock
An automatic increase in liquidity
The absence of storage costs
Vérifier la réponse
Réponse A : Obsolescence and cash tied up in stock
Unsold stock uses resources and may lose value before it can be sold or used.