The Hatchimal toy was one of the big hits of the 2016 Christmas season, leaving desperate parents clamoring to find the coveted gift in time.

Producing such a hit could be a toy company's dream-or nightmare, if their supply chain is not prepared to handle the surge in orders.

For the company producing the product, there are a number of methods that can help them meet demand if they have the "it" toy of the season (or a hit anytime during the year)-while not being stuck with warehouses full of product if demand isn't there.