Lean Principles – JUST IN TIME (JIT) What can JIT do for UK Manufacturing and Engineering - Dudley Child Executive Recruitment

Just In Time, like other Lean principles is a “buzz” word which has been thrown around the manufacturing and engineering industry for over 3 decades.  However despite the TPS (Toyota Production System) being the way forward to becoming a market leader, companies and its workforce are not really implementing JIT to its fullest and are failing to grasp the key ingredients necessary to reap the rewards.  JIT is a process by which a company improves its ROI by reducing inventory and all associated carrying costs.  Working alongside other Lean systems and principles such as Kanban, it not only aids in a healthier ROI, it improves quality and efficiency.

In order for a business to implement JIT, it needs flexible, willing and driven workforces who are all aiming for one goal- continuous improvement in all areas of the business. Through the right training, communication and management structure, a company can create cohesion and an agile team who can concentrate on CI, quality, customer relationships and product innovation.

With the latest MRP and ERP software, companies are able to keep better track off inventory, manage the logistics and supply chain more meticulously, and most importantly improve communication and therefore reduce error.

JIT can also reduce warehousing space which may equate to cost savings.  However it is essential that companies do not go too far in that they do not have enough of a buffer zone when market demands change quickly.  Again it all comes down to planning and forecasting and being AGILE.

There is no question that JUST IN TIME, if implemented correctly can reduce unnecessary inventory, reduce lead times and help with bottlenecking issues.  It may be a word that has been thrown around for 30 years and may have taken a back step with the latest LEAN manufacturing principles such as KANBAN, 5’S, SIX SIGMA, but it is still a vital ingredient of becoming a market leader.

For more information on Lean manufacturing principles such as Kanban, Kaizen, 5’s please visit www.dudleychild.co.uk

Key words:  JIT- Just in Time, Agile, MRP, ERP, CI Continuous Improvement