Manufacturing

The concept of modern just-in-time manufacturing has evolved from the Toyota Production System, among others. The key concept is to produce every unit based upon the specifications and quantities that the customer has provided ahead of time. Every team producing, added value in the Toyota Production System understands reduction of waste and inventory. Toyota has long been recognized as the world’s leading car manufacturing company, due primarily to concepts developed through just-in-time manufacturing business models. Simply stated, the customer provides the requirements for the product and the number of units that the manufacturer must produce to meet his or her needs.

A philosophy that strives to eliminate waste, develop highly skilled workers, partner with suppliers and dealers regarding key decisions and implementing those decisions rapidly, and reduce lead times will bring about lean manufacturing results. Waste is constantly examined to find and eliminate any part of the process that does not add value to it. These concepts are customer-friendly and gives the customer reasons to return to the manufacturer who is entirely devoted to giving that customer the best product for his or her money.

These manufacturing philosophies focus on consensus in the decision-making process, something that adds value to decisions that result from involving everyone that needs to be. Value-added decisions can be rapidly implemented and become fully understood by every team member. Manufacturing methods are standardized and every team member has ownership in finding problems and fixing them as quickly and efficiently as possible. Inventories are either greatly reduced or eliminated as finished product meets the customer’s expectations.