Just-in-time production: IT solutions that support effective planning and management

The just-in-time concept, although it has existed since the middle of the last century, perfectly fits the specific nature of the modern market. It assumes rapid production in line with actual demand while simultaneously reducing waste during the production process. However, to achieve these goals, it is necessary to implement IT solutions dedicated to production.

"Just in time." In practice, the just-in-time concept boils down to delivering raw materials in line with the needs arising from the production process—that is, those actually needed, in the specified quantity, and at the right time. This approach eliminates waste by preventing unnecessary storage of both materials and finished products. However, implementing this concept also improves work organization and streamlines information flow. Therefore, IT technology is a key element in this case.

IT infrastructure in production

It's hard to imagine a manufacturing company today without IT tools to support its production operations. The key IT solution is typically an ERP system, enhanced with modules and functionalities that streamline production process planning and coordination. However, in addition to this class of solution, other tools are also used.

Among the most important seem to be:

  • a WMS system, which, in conjunction with data collectors, provides information about what has just arrived at the warehouse,
  • an MES system, which is responsible for ongoing reporting on order fulfillment directly from the production floor.

The IT infrastructure in a modern manufacturing enterprise can therefore consist of several systems, which, when integrated, enable full control at every stage – from planning, through product production, to sales.

Features and functionalities of IT systems for manufacturing

Modern IT systems are gaining more and more functionality, enabling them to increasingly implement just-in-time production. This is the case with TimeLine ERP software, which includes highly specific modules that facilitate the management of numerous manufacturing processes. Furthermore, these modules are functionally tailored to the needs of many different industries (e.g., automotive, foundry, plastics), which is crucial for production efficiency. Implementing these functionalities allows us to answer key questions in the context of just-in-time: "When, in what quantities, and what raw materials and semi-finished products are needed to meet the production plan?"

When it comes to warehouse WMS systems, in addition to basic functionalities such as warehouse receipts and releases, inter-warehouse transfers, and inventory, manufacturing companies are increasingly utilizing the unique features of this software. This primarily involves labeling semi-finished products, finished goods, or bulk packaging, which allows for full traceability throughout the supply chain. Another key WMS functionality is quality control, both at the warehouse's inlet and outlet.

The functionalities characteristic of modern WMS systems partially overlap with other IT solutions used in manufacturing. An example is production reporting, which is most often performed using an MES system.

Through integration with machines, an MES system enables ongoing monitoring of work in progress, including individual processes. All data is collected and delivered in real time, enabling rapid response. In the context of practical application of the just-in-time concept, an MES system facilitates optimal planning of the degree and sequence of machine utilization, facilitating effective maintenance. An MES system can be a standalone tool within the IT infrastructure, but it can also be an integral component of a comprehensive production management system – as is the case with TimeLine ERP software.

IT solutions and the just-in-time concept in practice

Adapting production to market needs and optimizing supply logistics are steps that reduce costs associated with unnecessary storage of both raw materials and finished goods. Utilizing IT solutions to support the just-in-time manufacturing process offers benefits to every industry. The automotive industry is a prime example, where the widespread adoption of the just-in-time concept stemmed primarily from the positive experiences of brands such as Ford and Toyota, which were the first to introduce it into production management. Currently, the increasing complexity of modern vehicles (the number of parts and variants available) forces manufacturers to limit their current inventories of parts and components. Therefore, management based on the just-in-time concept, supported by an IT infrastructure comprised of numerous innovative systems, seems to be the right approach.

Other industries where implementing just-in-time and dedicated systems brings tangible benefits include electronics manufacturing, where reducing inventory, which generates relatively high costs, frees up capital tied up for this purpose. The food industry is also worth mentioning, where the use of the discussed methods and tools is somewhat forced upon them by customers – most often large retail chains expecting order fulfillment within 18 hours of order placement. Due to the short shelf life of manufactured products, production must be carried out on an ongoing basis, in line with market needs. Therefore, optimizing warehouse space for finished products, which must be ready for shipment practically directly from the production floor, becomes crucial. Therefore, implementing the concept of "just-in-time delivery" and supporting IT solutions – even those consisting of several integrated tools (ERP system, APS system, dedicated production management solution) – seems particularly beneficial in this situation.


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