Just-In-Time (JIT): What It Is and How It Works

    • What is Just In Time (JIT)?

    Just In Time (JIT) is a production system that allows products to be manufactured and delivered exactly when needed, eliminating unnecessary storage and reducing waste. This model, widely used in the automotive industry and advanced manufacturing sectors, optimizes production and lowers costs by ensuring that each part arrives at the assembly line at the precise moment it is required.

    This approach improves efficiency, quality, and production speed, making it one of the key strategies within Lean Manufacturing.

    How does Just In Time work in industrial production?

    JIT is based on a series of fundamental principles that ensure materials, components, or finished products arrive at the exact moment they will be used. Its implementation requires:

    1. Production on demand: Instead of manufacturing large batches of products, production is adjusted to actual customer demand.
    2. Inventory reduction: By not storing large quantities of materials, plant space is optimized, and storage costs are reduced.
    3. Close relationship with suppliers: Suppliers must ensure timely and frequent deliveries so that materials arrive precisely when needed.
    4. Flexible and efficient production: The plant layout and workstation distribution are organized to allow a continuous flow of materials without interruptions.
    5. Real-time quality contro: Defects are detected and corrected immediately to prevent the accumulation of defective parts.

    Pull System vs. Push System

    JIT is based on a Pull system, meaning that production and material flow are activated only when there is actual demand. This contrasts with the Push system, where products are manufactured in large batches and stored until needed.

    Difference between push and pull systems

    In a Pull system, production responds to customer orders or the next stage of the process. Only what is necessary is manufactured, exactly when it is needed. On the other hand, in a Push system, production is based on demand estimates, which can lead to excess inventory and wasted resources.

    Benefits of Just In Time in the industry

    Just In Time provides key competitive advantages for companies that implement it:

    • Reduction of operating costs: Minimizes expenses in storage, handling, and waste.
    • Increased production efficiency: Eliminates idle time and delays in the assembly line.
    • Optimization of plant space: No need for large stock warehouses.
    • Improved quality: Reduces errors by producing only what is needed at each stage.
    • Greater responsiveness: The company can quickly adapt to changes in demand.

    Example of Just In Time in the automotive industry

    The automotive sector is one of the biggest users of JIT. A clear example is Toyota, the company that popularized this system in the 1950s. Thanks to Just In Time, car manufacturers can receive parts such as bumpers, doors, or engines exactly when needed on the assembly line, avoiding unnecessary inventory accumulation in intermediate warehouses.

    How does Esypro help implement Just In Time in production?

    At Esypro, we design hanging-piece transport and storage systems that optimize Just In Time production. With our solutions, companies can ensure that each part arrives at the precise moment, without taking up unnecessary space in the plant.

    Key solutions for JIT:

    • Power & Free and Monorail Conveyors: Efficient transport without occupying floor space.
    • Sequencing Buffers: Organization and storage of parts in the correct order.
    • RFID Automation: Real-time control of material flow.
    • JIT Trucks: Direct transport of parts from Tier1 to OEM, without wasting time on packaging and order preparation, directly hanging from the tracks of our overhead conveyors.
    Just In Time (JIT) Trucks for Transporting Parts from Tier 1 to OEM

    Thanks to our technologies, companies can implement Just In Time efficiently, ensuring uninterrupted deliveries and minimizing operational costs.

    Just In Time as the key to efficiency

    Just In Time (JIT) is an essential strategy for optimizing production and reducing waste. Companies across all sectors, especially in automotive, logistics, and advanced manufacturing, can benefit from this system by eliminating unnecessary inventory and improving operational efficiency.

    Want to learn more? Contact us and discover how we can help you optimize your production with systems designed for Just In Time.

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