Elements of jit manufacturing

Chapter overview

This chapter examines the core beliefs of just-in-time systems (JIT). The goal of reducing waste is important in JIT. JIT uses a pull system, which is different from the push system. The key elements of JIT are described. The critical role of TQM in JIT is explained. The role of the employees in JIT is explained. Finally, we gain an understanding of the impact of JIT on all functional areas within the service and manufacturing organizations.

objectives

Explain the core beliefs of the just-in-time (JIT) philosophy.

Describe the elements of JIT.

Explain the key elements of JIT manufacturing.

Explain the elements of total quality management (TGM) and their role in JIT.

Describe the role of people in JIT and why respect for people is so important.

Describe the benefi ts of JIT.

Discuss the implementation process of a successful JIT system.

Describe the impact of JIT on service and manufacturing organizations.

JIT Philosophy and major elements

The core beliefs of JIT are the elimination of waste, the ability of the employees to see the “bigger picture,” simple solutions, continuous improvement, visibility, and flexibility.

JIT strives to produce the right products at the right time in the right quantities.

Continuous improvement and flexibility are important beliefs that help us achieve this goal.

The three major elements of JIT are just-in-time manufacturing, total quality management (TQM), and respect for people.

How does jit manufacturing work?

JIT manufacturing focuses on value-added processes in order to produce high volumes of high quality, and low-cost products that meet the customer needs.

Its key elements are the pull system, kanban production, small lot sizes, short setup times, uniform plant loading, flexible resources, and a streamlined layout.

Toyota is a company that has successfully used JIT. It is the company that developed JIT.

JIT has resulted in short lead times, high quality, low costs, and flexible production.

Tqm and jit

TQM is critical in JIT since poor quality would result in not delivering the right products at the right time in the right quantities.

It would also cause us to either spend time fixing the product or scrap it if it can not be fixed.

Motorola, a winner of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, has successfully implemented TQM.

Motorola is also known for focusing on achieving Six Sigma quality, which translates into about 3 defective parts per million.

Jit and respect for people

Respect for people is important in JIT because everyone must be involved in managing and improving production.

The employees must work together effectively in order to successfully implement JIT.

Southwest Airlines is known for its high respect for people. They make a great team, where everyone lends a hand to help when needed.

Jit implementation process

The JIT implementation process consists of the following steps, which are listed in order:

Make quality improvements

Reorganize the workplace

Reduce setup times

Reduce lot sizes and lead times

Implement layout changes

Switch to pull production

Develop relationships with suppliers

Some steps must be done before others to allow us to be successful. For example, we cannot effectively and efficiently reduce lot sizes until we first reduce the setup times.

Questions?