Workers also may be affected by JIT. Studies have shown that sharp reductions in
inventory buffers may cause a regimented work flow and high levels of stress among
production workers. Some have suggested a deliberate pace of inventory reduction to
allow workers to develop a sense of autonomy and to encourage their participation in
broader improvement efforts. Forced and dramatic reductions in inventories may indeed
reveal problems—but it may cause more problems: lost sales and stressed workers.
If the workers perceive JIT as a way of simply squeezing more out of them, then
JIT efforts may be doomed. Perhaps a better strategy for JIT implementation is one
where inventory reductions follow the process improvements that JIT offers. Implementing
JIT is not easy; it requires careful and thorough planning and preparation.
Companies should expect some struggle and frustration