Which is an impact on material supply and control due to digital communications?

• A. Just-in-time (JIT) delivery
• B. Expansion of warehouse space
• C. Manual paper-based ordering
• D. Frequent stockouts

Answer: (A)

Digital communications enable real-time visibility and coordination across suppliers, manufacturers, and customers, which makes Just-in-Time delivery feasible. With electronic data exchange and integrated systems, demand signals are transmitted instantly, triggering replenishment exactly when needed and aligning shipments with production schedules. This tightens material supply control by reducing buffers and synchronizing ordering, lead times, and transport with actual consumption. The other scenarios describe outcomes that digital communications typically mitigate or replace: expanding warehouse space often means holding more inventory than necessary; manual paper-based ordering is an older, less efficient method that digital tools move beyond; and frequent stockouts are conditions that improved digital communication aims to prevent rather than cause.