How Technology is Powering Just-In-Time Supply Chain

Reevaluating JIT Using New Technology News of Walmart's ambitions to automate their JIT replenishment process first surfaced in 2021. Even though many manufacturers lack the mega-resources, retailer's it's nevertheless worthwhile to consider how some of their strategies could apply to parties with smaller businesses.

Enhanced Efficiency and Transparency

Since JIT production only uses orders that have already been placed, it is not the greatest strategy for meeting unforeseen demand. A company that uses this strategy might not be able to handle an unforeseen increase in product demand. There is no backup inventory, so customers must wait for the company to produce the items and receive supplies. A supply chain problem might lead to extended delays, dissatisfied customers, and the potential loss of all or part of an order.

However, a lot of the linked equipment that are now used in manufacturing plants gather data in real-time. For those that employ the JIT approach, this information increases efficiency and transparency. Additionally, there are already various technologies that integrate with applications to assist the manufacturer in locating the required goods and confirming that there is one remaining in stock.

Employees may operate as efficiently as possible with the use of this information, which also saves time.
Numerous IOT-based technologies that regularly gather data have shown to be useful in providing information on all facets of the supply chain. When used for consumer demand forecasting, this by definition entails eliminating the risk of human mistake and decreasing the need for human labor.

The granular data that an IOT system can quickly gather but that would otherwise be difficult for people to manage is, however, much more valuable. To enable firms to profit from swings in demand without raising storage costs, each small piece of information contributes to the development of increasingly sophisticated forecasting systems.

Implementation of Robotics

Not long ago, all industrial robots remained segregated behind walls and other barriers, never coming into contact with people. However, all of that has altered as a result of the development of mobile robots and collaborative robots (cobots).

Some JIT facilities use intelligent equipment that can safely explore a facility while avoiding humans and impediments. Users may rely on some solutions on the market to coordinate the motions of up to 100 of these robots, which enables them to address issues and enhance operations.

Additionally, anybody may look up the positions of specific robots at any given time and use that information to gauge the overall impact of the devices. Cobots may also be used at a facility to stop personnel from making repetitive motions. In JIT production operations, human labour is typically not replaced by robots. They do, however, free people up to perform more enjoyable, less taxing duties.

Evolution of JIT

For many years, the JIT approach has benefited factories all throughout the world. Despite its success, it is always advisable to review the strategy and see whether fresh technology may further it. People should also keep track of additional choices that are being considered in addition to the interesting possibilities that this review presents.