Essay Undergraduate 546 words

Just-in-Time and Kanban Supply Chain Management at Riordan

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Abstract

This paper examines how Riordan Corporation can improve its supply chain management by adopting Just-in-Time (JIT) delivery and the kanban bin resupply method. The paper argues that contracting with multiple local motor suppliers, when paired with JIT practices, can reduce procurement, storage, and carrying costs while increasing production capacity. It further explains how the kanban method — well-suited to Riordan's low-differentiation parts such as fan blades and motors — can support a shift toward on-demand, customer-order-based production. Together, these lean manufacturing techniques are presented as practical tools for improving overall throughput and profitability across Riordan's supply chain.

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What makes this paper effective

Applies two well-established supply chain frameworks — JIT and kanban — directly to a specific company scenario, grounding abstract concepts in practical context.
Connects each technique to a concrete business benefit (reduced carrying costs, increased profitability, lower warehousing needs), making the argument easy to follow.
Maintains a consistent focus throughout, avoiding scope creep while still building a multi-layered argument for lean production.

Key academic technique demonstrated

The paper demonstrates applied analysis: it does not merely define JIT and kanban but explains why each method suits Riordan's specific operational conditions, particularly the low degree of part differentiation in motors and fan blades. This conditional reasoning — "because differentiation is low, kanban is appropriate" — is a strong model for discipline-specific applied writing in operations management.

Structure breakdown

The paper opens with a framing paragraph that identifies the management challenge and the two proposed solutions. Two body paragraphs then address JIT delivery and kanban separately, each linking the method to Riordan's circumstances and citing supporting sources. A brief concluding paragraph synthesizes the recommendations. The structure is straightforward and mirrors the classic problem–solution–conclusion format common in business operations essays.

Introduction: Supply Chain Redesign at Riordan

Effective supply chain management is an essential part of redesigning the processes engaged in by the Riordan Corporation and of making the overall throughput of the manufacturing concern more efficient. The decision to contract with multiple local providers for the motor elements needed in Riordan's fans could present substantial savings and a capacity increase for the company, but it could just as easily lead to disastrous problems if not properly controlled. Using the processes and practices of Just-in-Time delivery and the kanban system of resupply will help the company maintain proper control over its supply chain, improving performance through effective outsourcing rather than damaging capacity and customer relations.

Just-in-Time Delivery and Cost Reduction

Just-in-Time delivery achieves the desired purpose of modern supply chain management: reducing inventory and thereby lowering or eliminating warehousing and carrying costs, freeing up company resources for other endeavors or simply creating greater profitability (Anderson, n.d.; Borgstrom & Hertz, 2011). Riordan can utilize Just-in-Time delivery methods from local suppliers of its motors to reduce its own costs of motor procurement, storage, and overall manufacturing by ensuring on-demand production and delivery capabilities spread across close-proximity suppliers. Because there is not a high degree of differentiation in the motors Riordan requires, Just-in-Time delivery practices combined with the kanban bin method of resupply should also create added efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced profitability by lowering carrying costs (Anderson, n.d.; Borgstrom & Hertz, 2011).

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The Kanban Resupply Method and Internal Efficiency · 185 words

"Kanban suits low-differentiation parts and on-demand production"

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Conclusion: Toward Leaner Production

Riordan Corporation has many ways in which it can move toward leaner production methods. Achieving a more efficient and effective use of the supply chain is one of the most impactful. Utilizing Just-in-Time delivery and kanban resupply methodology will go a long way toward creating supply chain efficiency and positioning Riordan for greater long-term profitability.

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Key Concepts in This Paper

Just-in-Time Delivery Kanban Method Lean Production Carrying Costs Inventory Reduction On-Demand Production Local Suppliers Part Differentiation Supply Chain Efficiency Outsourcing