Just-In-Time has been highly praised as the savior of the manufacturing process.
But, there are limitations in the philosophy such as cultural differences. "The organizations cultures vary from firm to firm. There are some cultures that tie to Just-In-Time's success, but it is difficult for an organization to change its cultures within a short time." (Academic Emporia, 1999)
Another limitation is that in the past, manufacturers used a more traditional approach that relied on storing large inventories for down cycles. Just-In-Time has an adverse affect during these times because there is the potential that new inventory will not be delivered and thus shut down the entire process. "Also Just-In-Time is quite different for workers, in the sense that due to the shorter cycle time, lots of pressure and stress is added on the workers. Also the Just-In-Time system throws workers off in the sense that if a problem occurs, they cannot use their own method of fixing the problem, but use methods that have been previously defined." (Academic Emporia, 1999)
Conclusion
Our world has become a highly competitive global economy where manufactures of all kinds have been forced to search for new opportunities to strategically reduce costs and increase revenues. One good example of this trend can be demonstrated by observing the manufacturing of automobiles. The auto industry has gradually adopted new manufacturing processes or philosophies in order to adjust to the global business environment fueled by foreign cheap labor and new emerging markets. Today, the manufacturing...
The automobile manufacturing industry follows a philosophy introduced by Toyota called Just-In-Time manufacturing. The philosophy of Just-In-Time inventory control delivers quality control methodologies while at the same time creating much more efficient manufacturing processes. But the Just-In-Time system or process approach has recently been referred to by many top executives as a management philosophy of doing business as opposed to being a technique for improving efficiency. This report therefore tried to present some insights into Just-In-Time manufacturing and also providing insights into some of the inherent difficulties associated with the Just-In-Time manufacturing process.
References
Academic Emporia. (99, July 27). Just-In-Time. Retrieved on January 10, 2005, from Academic Emporia at http://academic.emporia.edu/smithwil/s99mg423/eja/mari.html
Ford To Spend $1bn A Year In China. Ed. Pravda Online. 12/8/03. Pravda. Retrieved on January 10, 2005, from http://english.pravda.ru/comp/2002/09/18/36813.html.
GM goes back to the future with Assue-built GTO. Ed. G. Chambers Williams III. 11/21/2003. San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved on January 10, 2005, from http://www4.fosters.com/autos/articles_2003_new/auto_1121_03e.asp
Vehicle Assembly: Industry Information - Trends Shaping the Industry. Ed. Green Cars. Green Cars. Retrieved on January 10, 2005, from http://www.environmentaldefense.org/documents/998_GC_industryinfo.htm.
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