The advent of new technologies (the Internet, computerization, etc.) and the impact of globalization (products not only available from every country but being developed in multiple countries) has increased not just the demand for goods and services but also has increased customer requirements and expectations. As such, organizations must be constantly changing to be as economically competitive as possible. This means doing more with less as the organization becomes as “lean” as possible (no fat). The operations manager must be aware of how and why lean systems are necessary. To answer the Discussion topics, you will need to do additional research using the virtual library and/or the Internet. In order for an organization to do more with less they must examine all facets of the production or service process. To that end, address the questions below: How does just-in-time (JIT) inventory control help organizations become leaner? Where does the information on waste (waste in raw materials, waste in process and flow, etc.) come from? Should line employees be involved in making recommendations to improve lean production and processes or should this decision making be left only to management?
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- How does just-in-time (JIT) inventory control help organizations become leaner?
JIT inventory control enables the manufacturing firms to receive raw materials just in time prior to production in order to ship out completed products from production line as quickly as possible(Russell & Taylor, 2014). This ensures that the organization save on their warehouse storage, reduces wastage and keep the inventory at a very low number thus increasing profitability and competitive advantage of the company. The main goal of JIT is to reduce the number of employees and save on warehouse storage as well as maintaining inventory at low number which is easily manageable.
- Where does the information on waste (waste in raw materials, waste in process and flow, etc.) come from?
The information on waste such as waste in raw materials and waste in process as well as flow is obtained through the use of Value Stream Mapping (VSM). This is a technique that organization uses to document, analyze and utilize the information to enhance flow of raw materials and finished products(Russell & Taylor, 2014). VSM allows the company to deliver goods and service into the market when the demand is high. Therefore, the information obtained through VSM to enhance production process by redesigning the production line Advent of new technologies in order to eliminate flaws and waste in the production process.
- Should line employees be involved in making recommendations to improve lean production and processes or should this decision making be left only to management?
Studies have shown that when line employees are engage in continuous improvement by requesting them to submit their recommendation………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Through their recommendations, management would make accurate decisions.
Reference
Russell, R. & Taylor, B. (2014). Operations and Supply Chain Management (Eighth Ed.). Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.