Meaning of just in time (what is it, concept and definition)

What is Just in time:

Just in time (JIT) translated into Spanish as "just in time" is a system for maximum efficiency with minimum waste implemented by the Toyota company for its car production line.

The company was inspired by the pantry stock control process used in supermarkets in the 1940s. Due to the large number of parts needed for the assembly of a car, it was necessary to determine what was really needed, in the right time and in the right amount.

The Just in time management system increases productivity by detecting duplication of work, hours of unnecessary work, unjustified or excessive requirements, and inconsistencies in the process that significantly help to reduce spending and increase productivity.

Just in time is also considered a production philosophy so that the components reach the manufacturing line at the right time. In the traditional system of stock control, for example, a large quantity of stock is usually reserved, which generates a waste of space, time and money, whereas with the JIT philosophy the flow of the material is direct from the supplier to delivery.

The JIT system encourages the versatility of functions and knowledge among employees, the detection of problems, suggestions for improvements and a reimplantation of relationships with suppliers and customers.

Today, the Toyota company complements its JIT system with the Kanban method that streamlines the process using visual cards to help prioritize and unpack the administrative process.