Obviously, achieving zero inventories requires a high level of excellence which is often summarized in the literature in terms of seven other ‘zeros’: zero defects, zero excess, zero setup times, zero breakdowns, zero handling, zero lead time, and zero surging (Hop and Spearman 2008). But following this ‘zero logic’, inventory levels act as a key indicator of business performance. The analogy of high water levels hiding unsolved problems is often used in this context. Undoubtedly, the zero inventory paradigm has caused quite a stir in business practice for many years. More than that, it seems to be an evergreen, which also served as a starting point for the development and application of several ‘lean techniques’ in order to achieve the unachievable goal of zero inventory