Just in time (JIT)-a customer perception

The author describes how a particular business unit within the Abbott diagnostics division implemented various just-in-time (JIT) techniques inside the factory and promoted these techniques to outside suppliers. The focus is on how the internal manufacturing layout was modified to support a true pull system, and various supplier delivery methods that were integrated into Abbott's manufacturing process are discussed. Teams investigated traditional methods and what it would take to change these traditional ways of doing things into JIT ways. A comparison of these two methods is included. >