Putting JIT manufacturing systems to work

Article Abstract:

Just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing systems can increase productivity, improve quality control efforts, and reduce costs, improving a company's competitive stance and overall performance. JIT systems integrate five production process functions: (1) sourcing, (2) storage, (3) transportation, (4) operations, and (5) inspection. JIT emphasizes production 'pull', in which the completion of a part creates a vacuum at preceding stages in the production process. This reduces the need to maintain large inventories of raw materials. JIT systems require reconfiguration of processes and machines, workers who can perform more than one function, automation, a total commitment to quality control, and under capacity scheduling with use of split shifts. JIT systems also emphasize statistical process control and capacity analysis techniques to improve product quality. The JIT experiences of several US and Canadian firms are described.

Production management, Usage, Manufacturing processes, Manufacturing

---

Using consultants to solve quality problems

Article Abstract:

Many firms turn to consultants when trying to improve their productivity and quality control. The services of consultants are time-consuming and expensive, but usually pay off within a year. Most consultants suggest that management involvement is crucial to the success of any new quality control program. Three examples of programs offered by consultants are company-wide quality control (CWQC), statistical quality control (SQC), and just-in-time quality control. CWQC is more a philosophy than a technique; stressing labor-management cooperation to solve problems. SQC is more labor and data-intensive, stressing the collection and analysis of relevant production information. SQC attempts to bring the production process under control by reducing its complexity and per-worker content.

Human resource management, Quality management, Business consultants, Management consultants, Industrial productivity

---

JIT: strategies for distant suppliers

Article Abstract:

Just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing systems require that specified products be delivered to manufacturers at certain times in the exact quantities needed. JIT systems are demand-pull systems in which inventory is determined by the demand of the succeeding operation. Suppliers must deliver small lots of components, sub-assemblies, or raw materials at times dictated by the production cycle of a product. For distant suppliers and suppliers who carry limited product lines, JIT systems pose a threat in the areas of delivery times, shipping costs, and technical cooperation. Strategies for distant suppliers to remain competitive in a JIT environment include broadening product lines, sharing shipping costs, relocating, warehousing, and responding to buyer needs.

Analysis, Management, Industrial suppliers

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Protecting PC accounting systems. Planning for disaster recovery
• Abstracts: Turn tax dollars into working capital: unwrapping the wrapped lease
• Abstracts: Investing cash: the ins and outs of liquid investing in today's complex markets. Raising cash: commercial paper sets the rates, but banks fight back with loan sales
• Abstracts: Strategic alliances: a synthesis of conceptual foundations. Strategic types, distinctive marketing competencies and organizational performance: a multiple measures-based study

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.