The Dictionary of Human Geography

objective is to reduce the quantity of produ-
cers’ capital tied up in inventories of parts
and finished products, producers no longer
keep large buffer stocks on hand. This has
the consequent effect of forcing lower defect
rates in parts supplied, and hence improves
overall quality. Because suppliers are able to
meet buyers’ varying requirements (in both
number and type) at short notice, the system

allows manufacturers to respond more flexibly

to changing market demands (see, more

generally,flexible accumulationandpost-

fordism). Adoption of such practices may

exert an agglomeration effect, bringing

buyers and suppliers closer together to facili-

tate rapid delivery at short notice, but in

any case transforms the dynamics of the

commodity chain. msg

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