Elements and Performance Criteria

Just in time (JIT) is a production scheduling concept that calls for any item needed at a production operation - whether raw material, finished item, or anything in between, to be produced and available precisely when needed, neither a moment earlier nor a moment later.


Kanban is a card or sheet used to authorise production or movement of an item; when fully implemented, kanban (the plural is the same as the singular) operates according to the following rules:

all production and movement of parts and material take place only as required by a downstream operation, i.e. all manufacturing and procurement are ultimately driven by the requirements of final assembly or the equivalent

the specific tool which authorizes production or movement is called a kanban. The word literally means card or sign, but it can legitimately refer to a container or other authorizing device. Kanban have various formats and content as appropriate for their usage (e.g. a kanban for a vendor is different than a kanban for an internal machining operation).

Kanban is typically applied to batch type operation and the production is measured in units produced. In continuous manufacturing organisations, production is measured in terms of production rate (e.g. kg/h, tonne/day) and rate is increased/decreased according to the flow authorisation which may be a kanban (e.g. ticket, order from a supplier) or may be a SCADA signal from a remote facility (e.g. customer tank) saying that resupply is required or similar.


System Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a general term applied to a number of systems which automatically collect critical process data, perform required mathematical manipulations on it and then make control decisions and/or give required information personnel for action.


Key measures may include inventory levels, lead time, IFOTIS delivery, productivity/production rate, other measures of pull through the value chain, quality.

IFOTIS refers to delivery of product In Full, On Time and In Specification.


Quick fix is action taken to immediately and cheaply control a problem, prevent it getting worse and/or ameliorate its impact, but which does not necessarily solve it long term.


Pull is a system of making to demand rather than for stock or to a forecast.


Competitive manufacturing organisations encompass the entire production system, beginning with the customer, and includes the product sales outlet, the final assembler, product design, raw material mining and processing and all tiers of the value chain (sometimes called the supply chain). Any truly 'competitive' system is highly dependent on the demands of its customers and the reliability of its suppliers. No implementation of competitive manufacturing can reach its full potential without including the entire 'enterprise' in its planning

Overview of assessment requirements
The person will at all times know the state of the JIT system in their area and will take actions to ensure its smooth operation on a day to day basis as well as recommend/undertake actions to improve it long term.

What critical aspects of evidence are required to demonstrate competency in this unit?
Evidence should be available of the person's facilitation of the operation of the JIT system and their making of recommendations for/making improvements

In what context should assessment occur?
This unit will need to be assessed in an organisation operating JIT.

Are there any other units which could or should be assessed with this unit or which relate directly to this unit?
This unit is related to:

What method of assessment should apply?
Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the elements, performance criteria, skills and knowledge. A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.
Assessors should gather sufficient, fair, valid, reliable, authentic and current evidence from a range of sources. Sources of evidence may include direct observation, reports from supervisors, peers and colleagues, project work, samples, organisation records and questioning. Assessment should not require language, literacy or numeracy skills beyond those required for the unit.
The assessee will have access to all techniques, procedures, information, resources and aids which would normally be available in the workplace.
The method of assessment should be discussed and agreed with the assessee prior to the commencement of the assessment.

What evidence is required for demonstration of consistent performance?
Evidence should be gathered from an extended period showing routine support for the JIT system and regular improvements made/suggested.

What are the specific resource requirements for this unit?
Access to an organisation using JIT.