Target based or target-based?

[WhiskeyNeverStartsToTasteNice]

Which is correct? Thank you!

The system is target based (no hyphen).
It is a target-based system (hyphen).

“The system is target based”
Should probably be avoided.

What's the context?

'the team works to a target based on customer value'
'the team's schedule is target-based'

General rule: if two words connect together to make one idea or concept, they should be hyphenated when used as an adjective.

Avoids confusion as in the following: six foot long logs. If there are six that are a foot long, it is six foot-long logs. If they are six feet long, six-foot-long logs.

@TheBraveLittleTailor

The system is target based (no hyphen). It is a target-based system (hyphen).

This is how I'd do it. Last time I checked, it corresponded with OUP style / Hart's Rules.

A gold-plated necklace
The necklace is gold plated

But variation is acceptable - I might let Word / PowerPoint autocorrect decide for me in some circumstances.

Thanks @unnumber, it’s good to have a source. it’s funny ‘the necklace is gold plated’ sounds fine. ‘The system is task based’ suddenly sounded clumsy.

The (very) general rule is that if the compound adjective comes before the noun, then you hyphenate, otherwise no.