JIT and Lean Production

5 Ss

Refers to a number of terms that help to create a lean production environment. These include: sort, simplify, scrub, standardize, and sustain.

Cellular Layout

A hybrid equipment configuration that combines elements of both line and functional configurations.

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)

Intercompany, computer-to-computer transmission of business information in a standard format.

Gemba

A Japanese term meaning "the real place." In business, it refers to the place where value is created. It also refers to a philosophy that says,go to the actual place and see the actual work if you want to improve a process or solve a problem.

JIT (Just-in-Time)

A philosophy of manufacturing based on planned elimination of waste and on continuous improvement of productivity.

Kaizen

The Japanese term for improvement. It refers to continuing improvement involving everyone, both managers and workers.

Kanban

A method of JIT production that uses standard containers with a single card attached to each. It is used as a "pull" signal to authorize production.

Lean

A philosophy of production that emphasizes the elimination of waste, only performing activities that add value for the customer.

Muda

The term for waste in lean manufacturing.

NVA (non-value-added)

Any activity that doesn't enhance the form or function of the product or the delivery of a service (things for which the customer is willing to pay).

PCE (Process Cycle Efficiency)

A measure of the value-added activity time within a series of operations.

Point-of-Use Inventory

The placing of items in the production process near the operation in which they will be consumed.

Poka-yoke

Mistake-proofing techniques, in product or process design, which prevents errors.

POQ (Production Order Quantity)

A quantity model that determines the amount of an item to be manufactured at one time.

Pull Production

The manufacture of items only as demanded for use or to replace those taken for use, ultimately based on demand from the customer to initiate.

Push Production

The manufacture of items at times required by a given scheduled planned in advance.

Seven Wastes

Overproduction, queuing delays, unneeded movements, poor process design, excess inventory, non-value-added motion, and defects.

TPS (Toyota Production System)

A manufacturing methodology that has evolved into the concepts of just in time and lean manufacturing.

Value Stream Mapping

A lean-management method that helps organizations improve process efficiency.

VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory)

A quick response means of optimizing supply chain performance in which the supplier has access the customer's inventory data and is resonsible for maintaining the inventory level required by the customer. See: Continuous Replenishment.