The Transferability of Just-in-Time Concepts to American Small Businesses

Abstract

The just-in-time management philosophy has traditionally been considered applicable only to large manufacturing firms. An examination of over 100 manufacturing firms, large and small, reveals that JIT is just as applicable to small firms as to large. Almost all elements traditionally implemented in house or regarding vendors are equally adaptable to both size firms. The use of outside consultants seems more prevalent in large firms. Small manufacturing firms actually managed greater percentage lot-size reductions from suppliers, greater reductions in inventory, and increased inventory turns.