Pull scheduling Where production is a function of ‘demand pull’ rather than ‘schedule push’. This means that only the actual materials required for a production run are drawn from suppliers and this eliminates inventories;
Mixed production Products are only processed or manufactured as orders are received for them. This eliminates stocks, improves cash flow and allows capacity to be switched to producing what is currently in demand;
Fast set up times Investment is made in systems and equipment which allow almost continuous production of different products;
Preventative maintenance Ensures unbroken production;
Revised plant layout Redesigned to minimise handling and movement;
Total quality control Systems for identifying and rectifying defects at source;
Supplier liaison The extension of JIT to suppliers.