Pull Method Of Material Flow

In Pull method the customer demand activates the production of an item.

It pulls a unit to where it is needed just as it is needed.

Coordinated production .

Kanban system is extensively used in pull method wherein production is done according to exact requirement

Consistent High Quality

JIT system seek to achieve a uniform flow of materials that are fit for use, reliable and meet specific customer expectations.

JIT systems control quality by implementing methods such as TQM and KAIZAN(continuous improvement).

In 1985, when JIT was implemented in General Motors, the workers were instructed to pull a cord if quality problems arose at their workstations.

Small Lot Sizes

JIT system maintians inventory with the lot sizes that are as small as possible. It helps in:-

Reduction of Cycle Inventory

Reduces Lead Time

Achieving Uniform Workload

Uniform Workstation Loads

The JIT system works best if the daily load on individual workstation is relatively uniform.

Uniform loads can be achieved by assembling the same type and number of products each day and creating a uniform daily demand at all workstations.

Flexible Workforce

Workers in flexible workforce can be trained to perform more than one job.

When the skill level to perform most tasks are low, a high degree of flexibility in the workforce can be achieved with little training.

Automated Production

Automation plays a big role in JIT systems and is a key to low cost production.

Automation is equipping machines with automatic stopping devices.

For example- To stop working of machine on sensing any defect. It will help in preventing large output defects and save huge costs.

The benefits are greater profits and greater market share.