Which strategy is focused on maintaining minimal stock levels to meet immediate demand?

Just-in-time (JIT) is a strategy designed to align production and inventory levels closely with actual consumer demand. This approach emphasizes the reduction of inventory levels to a minimum, thereby reducing holding costs and the risk of overproduction. In a JIT system, materials and products are delivered just as they are needed in the production process, allowing companies to respond quickly to changes in demand while maintaining efficiency.

This method not only helps in saving storage space but also increases the agility of the supply chain by ensuring that companies can adapt rapidly to customer needs without the burden of excess inventory. The overall goal is to reduce waste and improve the overall operational efficiency, making JIT an effective strategy for companies that aim to maintain minimal stock levels while still being able to satisfy immediate demands from customers.

In contrast, the other strategies like just-in-case, consignment, and bulk purchasing involve maintaining higher levels of inventory or stock as a buffer or safety net against uncertainties, which does not align with the principle of minimizing stock levels to meet immediate demands.