What practice gained popularity in the 1980s for manufacturing and inventory management?

The practice that gained popularity in the 1980s for manufacturing and inventory management was Just-in-Time (JIT) management. This approach focuses on reducing waste and improving efficiency by only producing what is needed, when it is needed, and in the quantity needed. The JIT method minimizes inventory levels, thereby reducing costs associated with holding stock and increasing responsiveness to customer demand.

JIT management emphasizes the importance of timely deliveries and close coordination with suppliers to prevent delays and ensure that materials are available exactly when required. This methodology reflects a shift from traditional mass production toward a more efficient and demand-driven model, allowing companies to respond quickly to changing customer preferences.

Time-based management, while important, is more of a broad approach to improving overall efficiency rather than a specific inventory management strategy. Lean production is often considered synonymous with JIT, but it encompasses a wider range of principles designed to eliminate waste across all areas of production. Agile manufacturing focuses on flexibility and adaptability in the production process, which became more prevalent in later years, particularly with the rise of customized products and rapid market changes. Therefore, JIT management is the practice that most directly aligns with the key manufacturing and inventory principles that gained traction in the 1980s.