---
title: "Just in time (JIT)"
subject: "ICT Project Management"
chapter: 10
key: "semester_7/ict_project_management:jit"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/ict_project_management/jit
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Just in time (JIT)

ICT Project Management · Chapter 10: Project quality management

- Asked in: year not given
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/ict_project_management/jit
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/ict_project_management/chapter-10

## Question

What do you mean by JIT?

## Short answer

A production and inventory philosophy that produces and delivers only when needed, in the quantity needed, to reduce waste. It uses a pull system, minimal inventory, and quality at source. Risks include supplier dependence and little buffer against demand changes.

## Answer

**Just-in-time (JIT)** is a production and inventory management philosophy, originating at Toyota (Taiichi Ohno), in which materials, parts and products are produced and delivered only when needed, in the quantity needed. The aim is to reduce inventory, waste and cost while improving quality and flow.

#### Principles
- Produce only what is needed, when needed ("pull" system, not "push").
- Keep inventory minimal; stock is a waste that hides problems.
- Small lot sizes and short set-up times.
- Quality at source: defects must be fixed immediately.
- Close cooperation with suppliers (frequent small deliveries).
- Flexible workers and equipment.
- Continuous improvement.

#### Kanban (signal card)
A Kanban card signals that a downstream process needs more parts from the upstream process.
```text
Supplier -> [Stock] <-signal- Production -> Customer
             pull driven by demand
```

#### Benefits
- Lower holding cost and less storage space.
- Reduced waste, scrap and rework.
- Faster response to demand change.
- Improved quality and productivity.
- Better cash flow.

#### Risks
- Dependent on reliable suppliers; delays stop production.
- Little buffer against sudden demand rise.
- Needs precise planning and discipline.

| Traditional (Just-in-case) | JIT |
|---|---|
| Large stock | Minimal stock |
| Push system | Pull system |
| Large batches | Small batches |
| Inspect for defects | Prevent defects |

#### In projects and IT
- Procurement of equipment only when needed in the schedule.
- Agile and lean software: develop features just in time based on priority, avoid over-planning and unused features.

**Example:** An IT firm ordering laptops for a new team only when the contract is signed avoids idle inventory and obsolescence.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What does JIT's pull system mean?
   A. Items are produced in large batches in advance
   B. Suppliers push stock to the factory
   C. Production follows a yearly forecast only
   D. Items are produced only when needed, triggered by demand
   Answer: D. JIT produces and delivers only what is needed, when needed. (Key point: Pull system)

2. What is the role of a Kanban card?
   A. Records defects
   B. Signals that a downstream process needs more parts from upstream
   C. Stores finished goods
   D. Calculates cost
   Answer: B. Kanban signals demand and drives pull production. (Key point: Kanban)

3. What is a main risk of JIT?
   A. Dependence on reliable suppliers, since delays stop production
   B. Excess inventory costs
   C. High storage space
   D. Large batch sizes
   Answer: A. With minimal stock there is little buffer against supplier delays or sudden demand. (Key point: Risk)

## Related in other subjects

- [MRP compared with JIT](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Findustrial_engineering_and_management%3Amrp-versus-jit-comparison) — Industrial Engineering and Management, chapter 5
- [Japanese approach: JIT and kanban](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Findustrial_engineering_and_management%3Ajapanese-approach-jit-kanban-system) — Industrial Engineering and Management, chapter 5
- [Critical clearing angle/time, fault at infinite bus](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fpower_system_analysis_ii%3Acritical-clearing-infinite-bus-h5) — Power System Analysis II, chapter 6
- [Email on weekly time sheets](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Aemail-weekly-timesheets) — Communication English, chapter 4, asked 2×