It is impossible to establish a new JIT system that can be used successfully without modification. Since each manufacturing process is different (e.g. in terms of Goals, Product requirements, Customer requirements etc.), it is up to the individual company to determine the degree of appropriateness and the final application of JIT. However, it is very important to define the plan and objectives before setting up a JIT manufacturing system.

Defining the Planning

The goal of a JIT approach is to develop a system that allows a manufacturer to have only the materials equipment and people on hand required to do the job. Achieving this goal requires six basic objectives:

Integrating and optimizing every step of the manufacturing process
Producing quality product
Reducing manufacturing cost
Producing product on demand
Developing manufacturing flexibility
Keeping commitments and links made between Customers and Suppliers

It should be noted that obtaining these objectives does not automatically make a company a JIT manufacturer, on the other hand failing to achieve even one of these objectives will prevent a manufacturer from establishing a successful JIT system.

" A company cannot decide to implement JIT; they must earn the right to use JIT by revising their quality procurement systems."

----- John Young, President of Hewlett-Packard