ITPEC IP October 2021 Question 81
In order to reduce the number of in-process or in-stock items between processes, production is carried out in each process according to the requests from the subsequent process and only the required number of the required items are supplied at the required time to the subsequent process. Which of the following performs this type of production?
Explanation
Just-in-time production system — each process makes only what the next process asks for, when it asks for it.
The question describes a pull system: the subsequent process requests items, and the preceding process produces and supplies only the required items, in the required quantity, at the required time. Nothing is made ahead of demand, so work in process and stock between processes stay small. Kanban cards are the usual way the requests are passed back up the line.
Answer (a)
Why not others:
- •(b) — cell production has one worker or a small team assemble a whole product in a compact cell; it is about how work is laid out, not about pulling items between processes
- •(c) — build-to-stock produces ahead of orders from a demand forecast and holds finished goods in stock, the opposite of reducing stock
- •(d) — lot production makes the same item in batches, so a whole lot waits between processes and builds up the in-process stock the question wants to avoid
Key rule: Just-in-time is a pull system: the later process withdraws what it needs and the earlier process replaces only that, which keeps inventory between processes to a minimum.
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