Question: Retailers as well as manufacturers can apply just-in-time (JIT) to their inventory management. Both Research In Motion and Apple want to know the impact of a JIT inventory system for their operating cash flows. Review each company's statement of cash flows in Appendix A to answer the following. (For RIM, also review Note 16.)
Required: 1. Identify the impact on operating cash flows (increase or decrease) for changes in inventory levels (increase or decrease) for both companies for each of the three most recent years.
2. What impact would a JIT inventory system have on both RIM's and Apple's operating income? Link the answer to your response for part 1.
3. Would the move to a JIT system have a one-time or recurring impact on operating cash flow?