Trade · 6 pages · 12 min
Why just-in-time is a bet on the road
Just-in-time keeps little stock at the plant and depends on parts arriving when the line needs them.
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From the opening
Just-in-time runs production so parts arrive shortly before they are used, instead of sitting in a deep storeroom. The bet is that suppliers and the road will deliver in time to stand in for the inventory that was not held. The opening covers parts arrive as the line uses them, a thin buffer exposes the stations, and the road stands in for the storeroom.
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Inside
- Parts arrive as the line uses them
- A thin buffer exposes the stations
- The road stands in for the storeroom
- Long lead times break the bet
- Where the idea stops applying
- A distinction worth keeping
Sources
- Just-in-time manufacturing
- Toyota production system supplier deliveries