Reference #324: Thinking in Systems
Stocks allow for independent and decoupled inflows and outflows. This can provide certainty, continuity, and predictability of many systems even when flows vary in the short term.
For example, a reservoir enables residents to live without constantly adjusting to a river's varying flow. Product inventories along a supply chain allow both for smooth production despite varying customer demand and for fulfilment of customer demand despite varying production rates.
Meadows. Thinking in Systems, 2008. (24)