Operations Management Case Study

Ishikawa Motors Limited: Implimentation of Just-In-Time and Lean Practices

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Abstract:
The case study mainly deals with Ishikawa Motors Limited (Ishikawa), a renowned manufacturer of medium to heavy duty trucks in Japan in the 1960’s. Years after its establishment, the company started facing challenges like lack of land availability to store the inventory, which resulted in the company taking another building for lease to store the finished goods. All these problems led to company running into losses. The company approached a consultant who, after analysing Ishikawa’s problems, advised to implement Just in Time (JIT) technique. The management followed the consultant’s advice and implemented JIT technique, which changed the future of the company. The layout of the company underwent a change, the quality of its products improved, the inventory reduced and even the employees became more involved in the work. This resulted in the company climbing the success ladder.

Pedagogical Objectives:

The case study may be used for understand:
• To analyse supply chain design
• To understand Just in Time and Lean systems.

Keywords : Just in Time, Lean Manufacturing, Just in Time systems, inventory, work-in-progress, JIT technique, Just in Time inventory, Just in Time inventory system, Just in Time manufacturing, Just in Time production, Total Quality Control, Elimination of waste, JIT purchasing, JIT distribution, Just-In-Time and Lean Practices Course Case Mapping

Contents:

• Introduction
• Suggested Questions for Discussion