IPA IP 2024 Question 15
A question IPA Japan published in 令和6年度 ITパスポート試験 公開問題 問15, translated into English. ITPEC is based on the same exams.
Same question on ITPEC: Oct 2025 Q91
Which of the following is the production system that minimizes the inventory between processes through the procurement of raw materials and components at the required timing and in the required quantity?
Explanation
JIT — Just In Time: procure and produce only what is needed, when it is needed, in the quantity needed.
JIT, the core of the Toyota production system, pulls materials through the line from the downstream end: each process takes from the one before only what it has just used, often signalled by kanban cards, and suppliers deliver in small lots timed to that consumption. Stock between processes shrinks toward zero, which cuts storage cost and exposes problems that a buffer of inventory would hide.
Answer (c)
Why not others:
- •(a) BPO — business process outsourcing: handing a whole business function, such as payroll or a call centre, to an outside company
- •(b) CIM — computer-integrated manufacturing: linking design, production control and manufacturing through computers and shared data; it integrates information rather than timing deliveries
- •(d) OEM — original equipment manufacturing: making products that another company sells under its own brand
Key rule: JIT means the required item at the required time in the required quantity; kanban is the tool that tells the previous process what to deliver.
Business Industry · AI-written, may contain errors
This question comes from the past questions IPA Japan publishes, translated into English by ITPEC Practice. ITPEC Practice is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with IPA or ITPEC. See the original paper (PDF) or Report an issue.