The theory of stock piling inventory for immediate use and shipment has become obsolete as the concept of just in time has become more prevalent. The process of determining what demand is expected to be, also known as forecasting, is the first step to determining a company's needs.

Do you believe that this lack of stock piling inventory could have a negative side for consumers and companies in the 21str century? How vulnerable are the systems we have in place for food, durable goods and automobiles, for example?