Lean systems, JIT inventory, waste materials
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The advent of new technologies (the internet, computerization, etc.) and the impact of globalization (products not only available from every country but being developed in multiple countries) has increased not just the demand for goods and services but also has increased customer requirements and expectations. As such organizations must be constantly changing to be as economically competitive as possible. This means doing more with less as the organization becomes as "lean" as possible (no fat).
The operations manager must be aware of how and why lean systems are necessary.
To answer the questions that follow you will need to do additional research using the virtual library and/or internet (within a single posting make sure each question is addressed individually and never combine questions or answers).
In order for an organization to do more with less they must examine all facets of the production or service process. To that end address the questions below:
1. How does just-in-time (JIT) inventory control help organizations become more lean?
2. Where does the information on waste (waste in raw materials, waste in process and flow, etc.) come from?
3. Should line employees be involved in making recommendations to improve lean production and processes or should this decision making be left only to management?
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Response discusses Lean systems, JIT inventory, waste materials
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1. How does just-in-time (JIT) inventory control help organizations become more lean?
Lean is about doing more with less: less time, inventory, space, labor, and money. "Lean manufacturing", shorthand for a commitment to eliminating waste, simplifying procedures and speeding up production. Five areas drive lean manufacturing/production:
? cost
? quality
? delivery
? safety, and
? morale.
JIT can be used to help organizations become leaner. Just-in-time (JIT) is defined in the APICS dictionary as "a philosophy of manufacturing based on planned elimination of all waste and on continuous improvement of productivity". It also has been described as an approach with the objective of producing the right part in the right place at the right time (in other words, "just in time"). Waste results from any activity that adds cost without adding value, such as the unnecessary moving of materials, the accumulation of excess inventory, or the use of faulty production methods that create products requiring subsequent rework. (Ashland, 2009)
Hence JIT, Just-In-Time is a term usually thought of as describing inventory arriving or being produced just in time for the shipment or next process. The importance of Just-In-Time Systems is better comprehended when its impact of change on economics is thoroughly understood. The inventory philosophy is pivoted on designing an inventory system that perfectly blends the fundamentals of minimizing cost and maximizing ...
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