JUST-IN-TIME DELIVERY

Just-in-time (JIT) is a delivery approach for materials. Although used in the manufacturing arena, it is applicable to other environments, including service industries.

JIT is predicated on the following principles.

• Small lot sizes are better than carrying large inventories.
• Waste is negative.
• Long setup times are bad.
• Quality is important.
• Reliable production schedules are necessary.
• Good customer-supplier relationships are important.
• Employee involvement is critical.

JIT offers many advantages. It keeps inventory low, reduces inspection costs, and streamlines product or service delivery processes. It also solidifies relationships with users and improves quality. Further, it emphasizes a pull (customer-driven) rather than push (manufacturer-driven) provision of services.

for Just-in-Time Delivery

• Prepare for cultural change.
• Develop reliable production schedules.
• Institute reliable, quality measures (e.g., statistical process control).
• Establish a good working relationship with suppliers.
• Obtain the involvement of people affected by the JIT delivery system.
• Keep order quantities small.
• Track performance of processes.