Just-in-Time Is Just Not Enough Anymore

Lean inventory strategies used to be the gold standard. Keep materials off-site until you need them. Avoid waste. Minimize storage hassle. But in the face of continued volatility in the supply chain, sub-trades are learning that just-in-time delivery doesn’t always work—and sometimes, it leaves them stranded.

From delivery delays and backorders to skyrocketing material prices, the last few years have forced many contractors to rethink how they manage their supply chain risk. Here’s how smart subs are adapting their inventory mindset to stay on track and on budget.

Why Just-in-Time Inventory Is Falling Short

The principles of lean are still solid—but real-world supply chain conditions aren’t cooperating. Common issues include:

Delivery delays: Carriers are still stretched thin, and cross-border shipping isn’t always predictable.
Limited supply: Key materials like insulation, conduit, and specialized fasteners are still hit-and-miss.
Price spikes: Waiting to buy until the last minute can mean paying far more than planned—or not being able to buy at all.

Example in Action:

A framing sub relying on just-in-time delivery was blindsided when sheathing shipments were delayed for 10 days. With no backup plan or material buffer, the crew was stuck waiting—and the delay cost over $12,000 in lost labor time and penalties.

Smarter Inventory Approaches for Subs

You don’t need to abandon lean thinking, but smart subs are blending efficiency with flexibility. Here’s what’s working:

Pre-buying key items: Lock in critical materials early, especially when you know lead times are unpredictable.
Staging short-term stock: Keep small quantities of fast-moving items in a secure container or trailer.
Tracking trends: Watch market data on commodities like copper, steel, and lumber to anticipate price shifts.
Strengthening supplier relationships: Good suppliers often tip off their best customers before trouble hits.

What to Watch For

Avoid overcorrecting by hoarding materials you can’t store or secure:

Know your jobsite: Only stock what you can protect from theft, damage, or weather.
Be selective: Not every material needs a buffer—focus on long lead items or critical path components.
Communicate clearly: Let GCs know what you’re holding and when you plan to bring it in.

Practical Takeaways for Sub-Trades

Want to future-proof your material planning without going overboard? Start here:

Review your material list by lead time and volatility—not just cost.
Build a small emergency buffer for key projects.
Have a plan B: Always know your second-choice supplier or product spec.
Talk to your crew: They often know what gets delayed or causes headaches before the data does.

Final Thoughts

Just-in-time delivery might still be ideal—but it’s no longer reliable on its own. Sub-trades who balance lean principles with flexibility and foresight are the ones who keep crews moving, GCs happy, and projects profitable.

In today’s market, a smarter approach to inventory isn’t wasteful—it’s essential.

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