Implementation of just-in-time methodology in a small company |
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Authors: | SURENDRA M. GUPTA LOUIS BRENNAN |
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Affiliation: | Department of Industrial Engineering and Information Systems , 330 Snell Engineering Building, Northeastern University , 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA Fax: |
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Abstract: | This paper describes the implementation of JIT in a small manufacturing company and the benefits that resulted for the company's operations. Preliminary analysis identified various problems in the existing manufacturing operations. The pre-implementation and post-implementation conditions of the company arc detailed. The achievements of the JIT implementation included a reduction in material traversing, reduced lead limes and inventories leading to an overall reduction in the cost of manufacturing. A smooth flow of material from the raw material stage to the finished product stage was established. Three separate product lines were combined into a flexible manufacturing assembly line. With the adoption of a holistic approach to JIT implementation, it was found that even a small company can make significant strides towards world class manufacturing status. The experience gained by the company can encourage and benefit other small companies to embrace the JIT approach. |
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Keywords: | just-in-time (JIT) implementation small firms |
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