Uses capacity as the lever to synchronize production rate with demand through hires/layoffs with no (low) inventory or backorders. Level strategy Use utilization as the lever to synchronize production rate with demand through overtime and idle time with no (low) inventory or backorders. [ Choose ] Maintain a stable capacity and workforce and use inventory/backorders as the levers to match supply with demand. [ Choose ] Combination of the three direct strategies, most common in practice