Just-in-Time (JIT) delivery is a logistics approach that schedules materials, components, or finished goods to arrive shortly before they are needed. It reduces the amount of inventory customers must store while supporting continuous production, order fulfilment, or retail replenishment.

JIT depends on accurate demand data, carefully planned delivery windows, dependable suppliers, and reliable transportation. Dispatchers must coordinate collection times, routes, vehicle capacity, driver availability, site access, unloading resources, and customer schedules. Real-time tracking and accurate arrival estimates help customers prepare labour and dock space without holding excessive safety stock.

The model offers limited room for delay. Traffic disruption, vehicle failure, supplier shortages, documentation errors, missed delivery slots, or inaccurate demand forecasts can interrupt production or leave orders unfulfilled. Fleets should monitor shipments closely, identify exceptions early, and maintain clear escalation procedures. Contingency routes, backup vehicles, alternative suppliers, and agreed recovery plans can reduce disruption when the original schedule becomes unworkable. Performance should be reviewed using on-time-in-full delivery, arrival-window compliance, lead-time variation, detention, rejected deliveries, and production interruptions. Successful JIT delivery requires more than speed; it depends on consistent execution and trusted coordination between suppliers, carriers, warehouses, and customers. Businesses should also balance inventory savings against the operational risk created by minimal buffer stock.