Gap Analysis

Introduction

Just In Time (JIT) is not a new concept as it has been a part of the Japanese manufacturing industry since a long time. JIT was initially known as Toyota Production System and Toyota motor company recognized its very philosophy and working techniques. The objective of this manufacturing system is to eliminate waste totally. It basically means making what the market demands when it is in need. JIT not only increases the work productivity but also saves the cost along with work performance and producing quality products.

Therefore, in order to have a complete JIT manufacturing system it is important to meet the demands of the market whenever needed. These include a company wide commitment; proper material, quality, people involvement as well as equipment must always be available there. Moreover, to establish the identification of duplication of the efforts, it is also important to extend the developed policies and procedure of an internal JIT structure into the company's supplier and customers. Furthermore, in order to reduce wastage and improve the quality of work, it is important to get in hand a continuous feedback of the performance. (Gregory Jobe, Danny Misson, Adam Smith)

History

This Japanese management manufacturing company was developed in the 70's and was first adopted by the Toyota manufacturing plants by Taiichi Ohno. JIT gained extensive support by the mid 70's by many companies thus many companies followed the JIT management strategies. If we trace back the history for the actual incentive to develop a good manufacturing technique, which would be an elementary part to rebuild their economy was the major set back of the Toyota Company after World War II. They wanted to catch up with America as soon as possible in order to save their (Japans's) automobile industry. Nevertheless the roots are traced back to their strong work ethic rather then sitting idle or wasting time in relaxation.

Though the Japanese people were very hard working since the beginning even so, they did not achieve this stage of economic recognition in a day or two. Basically the existing system at that time had many defects in the manufacturing fields.

The major defects in the manufacturing industry at that time included the inventory problems, defects in the products, the high cost and delivery delays as well as the large lot production. (Imai (1986)) Nonetheless, only a single product defect is enough to destroy the reputation of the producer, so it was needed to develop a manufacturing system, which was completely defect free. Therefore, JIT took the initiative to introduce a very strong and solid manufacturing system that was not only defect free from the existing defects of that time but also provided a faster and reliable delivery system in regard to satisfy the needs and demands of the customer

Process

JIT is an integrating production process where the suppliers, manufacturers as well as the customers are inter-related to each other for the successful competition of the JIT manufacturing. The process of JIT does not work on the basis of independence in regard to the stages of manufacturing process. Therefore, the process of the JIT manufacturing needs to complete