Principles that are fundamental to Time-Based Competition ­ waste elimination, process simplification, set-up and batch-size reduction, parallel processing, and layout redesign ­ are critical skills in every facet of the lean organization. JIT is a system for producing and delivering the right items at the right time, in the right amounts. The key elements of Just-in-Time are Flow, Pull, Standard Work, and Takt Time.

The movement of merchandise or part finished stock to the next point in the supply chain as it is required for consumption or use. In its widest context 'just-in-time' is also used to describe the philosophy of short lead times and low inventory levels within the supply chain.

(kanban) "The idea behind just-in-time cam from a visit to the United States by Taiichi Ohno of Toyota Motors in the 1950s. Ohno was far more impressed with America's giant supermarkets than with its automotive plants. He later recounted his surprise at the speed and efficiency by which the supermarkets kept shelves stocked with exactly the products customers desired in just the amount needed." (Rifkin, End of Work, p.99)

A strategy for inventory management in which raw materials and components are delivered from the vendor or supplier immediately before they are needed in the manufacturing process.

In the broad sense, an approach to achieving excellence in manufacturing, based on the continuing elimination of waste (waste being considered to be anything which does not add value to the product). In the narrow sense, J-I-T refers to the movement of material at the necessary place at the necessary time. The implication is that each operation is closely synchronized with the previous and subsequent ones to make that possible. Benefits of the implementation of J-I-T include the elimination of all unnecessary inventories. The elimination of much of the raw material and work-in-process inventories forces suppliers and each production step to produce impeccable quality, since without buffer inventories, poor quality will cause the production process will stop. Other benefits include less space required (no inventory storage), faster throughput times increased productivity and lower costs.

Usually thought of as describing inventory arriving or being produced just in time for the shipment or next process; actually a process for optimizing manufacturing processes by eliminating wasted steps, wasted material, and excess inventory.

A production and inventory control process in which components and materials are delivered to an assembly point as needed. This process is used in Western Digital manufacturing facilities and in most of the company's customer plants.

The set of techniques for managing the delivery of supplies to manufacturing plants, so that they are delivered just before they are required at the plant. The technique allows for a reduction in inventory level, and more flexibility in the output of the finished goods.

A system of materials management intended to ensures that components and raw materials arrive at the manufacturer's or processor's factory at the precise time they are required for production or processing. JIT can also be applied to the control of finished products ensuring that they arrive at a sales outlet close to the time when they are expected to be sold.

An operational strategy that requires receiving materials just-in-time for the next manufacturing process. Fast turnaround is essential in this effort to reduce inventories at the manufacturing site.

A set of logistics and delivery techniques created by Toyota Motor Corporation of Japan, JIT boosts a company's bottom line by reducing inventory and associated storage costs with a fluid system of on-time fulfillment.

systematic management process for the delivery of component parts just in time for their use in a production process. (p. 106)

A management philosophy aimed at eliminating waste from every aspect of manufacturing and its related activities. The term JIT refers to producing only what is needed, in just the amount it is needed, when it is needed.

A manufacturing philosophy based on purging of all waste in conjunction with continuous improvement of productivity.

A method of controlling and reducing direct and work-in-process inventory by having suppliers deliver material "just-in-time" to manufacturing.

An approach to manufacturing that stresses the benefits inherent in a system, whereby material is brought to the work site only when it is needed. To achieve this goal, each operation must be synchronized with those subsequent to it.

(JIT) refers to the movement of material to the necessary place at the necessary time. It is part of a business philosophy based on achieving excellence in a manufacturing company through the continuous elimination of waste.

Activities, including deliveries, completed at the right time in order to meet production and client schedules. These techniques help companies improve their return on investment by reducing in-process inventory and its associated cost. Also known as Just-in-sequence

An inventory management method focused on inventory reduction by delivering materials or products or materials just when they will be needed in production.

An inventory control system that controls material flow into assembly and manufacturing plants by coordinating demand and supply to the point where desired materials arrive just in time for use.

Characteristic of elearning in which learners are able to access the information they need exactly when they need it.

a concept of supply and manufacturing whereby components and raw materials are delivered exactly when they are needed.

The principle of production and inventory control in which goods arrive when needed for production or use.

(see JIT)

A production and inventory control process in which components and materials are delivered to an assembly point as needed. This process is used in many hard drive manufacturing facilities.

The delivery of materials needed for production at the time they are required theoretically eliminating unnecessary stock within the supply chain.

A technique for the organisation of work flows, to allow rapid, high quality, flexible production while minimizing manufacturing waste and stock levels. This is usually done in conjunction with suppliers who supply the products exactly when (and only when) they are needed. The management of supermarkets is an excellent example of the use of this technique.

Refers to the process of ordering inventory so that it arrives just-in-time for you to use it. This reduces the cost of carrying excessive levels of inventory that are not needed by reducing interest expense and warehousing costs.

An in-bound manufacturing strategy that smoothes material flow into assembly and manufacturing plants. JIT minimizes inventory investment by providing timely, sequential deliveries of product exactly where and when it is needed, from a multitude of suppliers. Traditionally an automotive strategy, it is being introduced into many other industries.

An approach to manufacturing whereby raw materials and supplies are delivered to a manufacturing operation just as they are needed to meet demand. This contrasts with batch-and-queue manufacturing, in which a company holds supplies and materials in inventory to manufacture in large quantities, even if demand for the products doesn’t meet production levels.

Also JIT. A business approach that assures the receipt of a product at a manufacturing site just in time to be used in the manufacturing process.

Learners are able to access the information or support they need exactly when they want it.

Inventory replenishment intended to bring exactly the right parts to an assembly process exactly when needed, minimizing inventory requirements and simplifying its flow. In practice, this approach risks line shut downs if information and all delivery systems aren't near-perfect.

An inventory system that has goods arrive just as needed.

Order placement and delivery that is synchronized with production schedules to minimize or eliminate inventories.

A system for producing the right items at the right time in the right amounts for customers.

Timeframe that requires applicants to send some information to NIH after an application has been peer reviewed and is within the range of possible funding. Just-in-time is used for other support information and other items, including: certification of IRB approval, Federalwide assurance, IACUC certification, and Research Conduct Training Sample Letter. Go to our Just-in-Time SOP.