Chapter 17 Summary

Dr. Leete takes Julian to the distribution center, and on the way, they discuss how inventories are kept, how production is regulated and how men rise to leadership positions.

Production of goods is based on a simple supply and demand system. Since all products are distributed through a common warehouse system, an exact figure of inventory is always available, and goods are produced or held in stock depending on the inventory. Since figures are updated daily, if an increased demand is demonstrated, more product can be made immediately. Ten departments exist, and each department incorporates various industries. Each department has a leader who is in charge of overseeing the production and inventory of goods. If very few people want a product, it is still produced, but the cost is higher. Julian, knowing that there is no such thing as competition or money, asks...