JIT ( Just In Time ) Production
Introduction
JIT is a management philosophy that strives to eliminate sources of manufacturing waste by producing the right part in the right place at the right time.
Waste results from any activity that adds cost without adding value, such as moving and storing.
JIT (also known as lean production or stockless production) should improve profits and return on investment by reducing inventory levels (increasing the inventory turnover rate), improving product quality, reducing production and delivery lead times, and reducing other costs (such as those associated with machine setup and equipment breakdown). 6 sigma training
In a JIT system, underutilized (excess) capacity is used instead of buffer inventories to hedge against problems that may arise.
JIT applies primarily to repetitive manufacturing processes in which the same products and components are produced over and over again.
The general idea is to establish flow processes (even when the facility uses a jobbing or batch process layout) by linking work centers so that there is an even, balanced flow of materials throughout the entire production process, similar to that found in an assembly line.
To accomplish this, an attempt is made to reach the goals of driving all queues toward zero and achieving the ideal lot size of one unit.
Keys to Successful JIT Implementation :
1. Stabilize and level the MPS with uniform plant loading:
create a uniform load on all work centers through constant daily production (establish freeze windows to prevent changes in the production plan for some period of time) and mixed model assembly (produce roughly the same mix of products each day, using a repeating sequence if several products are produced on the same line).
Meet demand fluctuations through end-item inventory rather than through fluctuations in production level.
2. Reduce or eliminate setup times: aim for single digit setup times (less than 10 minutes) or "one-touch" setup -- this can be done through better planning, process redesign, and product redesign.
3. Reduce lot sizes (manufacturing and purchase):
reducing setup times allows economical production of smaller lots; close cooperation with suppliers is necessary to achieve reductions in order lot sizes for purchased items, since this will require more frequent deliveries.
4. Reduce lead times (production and delivery):
production lead times can be reduced by moving work stations closer together, applying group technology and cellular manufacturing concepts, reducing queue length (reducing the number of jobs waiting to be processed at a given machine), and improving the coordination and cooperation between successive processes; delivery lead times can be reduced through close cooperation with suppliers, possibly by inducing suppliers to locate closer to the factory
5. Preventive maintenance: use machine and worker idle time to maintain equipment and prevent breakdowns
6. Flexible work force:
workers should be trained to operate several machines, to perform maintenance tasks, and to perform quality inspections. In general, the attitude of respect for people leads to giving workers more responsibility for their own work.
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