GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 15, 2026

Just in Case (JIC)

A manufacturer is short of a critical component, and the next delivery is three weeks out.

Last updated: 15 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.supplychainbrain.com/articles/3021-just-in-case-jic-versus-just-in-time-jit

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Logistics Concept

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A manufacturer is short of a critical component, and the next delivery is three weeks out. Just-in-Case (JIC) is the inventory strategy designed to prevent exactly that scenario: deliberately holding safety stock above current demand as a buffer against supply disruptions, demand surges, or logistics failures. JIC is the direct counterpart to Just-in-Time, and it regains relevance whenever the cost of a production stoppage far outweighs the cost of carrying extra stock. Industries such as medical devices, aerospace, and energy apply JIC selectively for components where a stockout is simply not an option. The trade-off is tangible: higher warehousing costs, greater capital tie-up, and the risk of stock becoming obsolete.

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Just in Case (JIC)

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