Just-In-Time

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  We’ve all heard that Lean and the Just in Time System are the Same.  And, while there are some similarities, the two systems are in fact, different.  Generally speaking, the Just In Time System makes up one pillar of a Lean Organization and although the principles and techniques can be applied to service environments, the Just In Time philosophy is mainly used in manufacturing.  The philosophy helps an organization achieve three main focuses:

• Produce only what your customers want.
• Produce when your customers want.
• Produce only the amount your customers want.

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  In short the Just in Time Philosophy produces what is needed, when it's needed and in the quantity needed.  When you think of Just in Time, inventory should come to mind.  Whether that inventory is information or material based is not important, but the Just in time system seeks to improve the flow, management and control of inventory.  There are typically four main goals of the Just in Time philosophy:

1. Have only the required inventory when needed and in the proper qty.
2. Have zero defects.
3. Reduce lead times by Producing only what the customer demands, eliminating waste, reducing setup times and lot sizes.
4. Continuously improve all operations.

  As you may have guessed these 4 goals may be difficult to achieve in a traditional Batch, Lot or Mass manufacturing environment.  These environments seek to spread costs over the pool of products and often stock inventory that is later pulled and shipped to customers.  In addition, traditional manufacturing methods must dedicate one line to a limited number of products or suffer the consequences of lengthy changeover times.  By implementing the Just in Time System an organization is better able to produce a variety of products in a shorter lead time, in a smaller quantity to meet the needs of their customers.  This oftentimes requires organizations to change the way they look at production and analyse just how they can build to customer demand, create flow and balance, develop appropriate schedules and continuously improve everyday. ​
Supporting Tools for the Just In Time System

• Heijunka
• Pull Systems
• Takt Time
• Single/Continuous Flow

​Challenge

• Have you used the Just in Time System?  What tips do you have for the community?  Share your thoughts in the comments section below and receive a coupon to one of Lean Strategies International LLC's courses.

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