Which approach to quality involves manufacturing only what is required, when it is required?

Just-in-Time (JIT) is a production strategy and inventory management philosophy that aligns production directly with demand. The core principle is to manufacture, supply, or deliver goods and services at the precise moment they are required, either for the next stage of production or for the end customer. This "pull" system minimizes waste (muda), particularly by reducing inventory holding costs and exposing inefficiencies in the production process. By producing only what is needed, when it is needed, JIT enhances quality and responsiveness while reducing costs.

A. Zero Defects: This is a quality management philosophy focused on preventing errors and achieving perfection, not specifically on the timing and volume of production.

B. Total Quality Control: This is a management system for integrating quality development, maintenance, and improvement efforts across an organization, but it is not defined by production timing.

C. Total Quality Management: A broader, strategic management approach focused on long-term success through customer satisfaction and continuous improvement in all organizational processes.

1. Ohno, T. (1988). Toyota Production System: Beyond Large-Scale Production. Productivity Press. In Chapter 2, Ohno defines the two pillars of the Toyota Production System, with the second being Just-in-Time. He states, "This means that, in a flow process, the right parts needed in assembly reach the assembly line at the time they are needed and only in the amount needed." (p. 4).

2. Slack, N., Brandon-Jones, A., & Johnston, R. (2016). Operations Management (8th ed.). Pearson Education. In Chapter 15, "Lean Synchronization," the text defines JIT as a core element: "At the operational level, JIT means producing goods and services exactly when they are needed – not before so that they have to wait in inventory, and not after so that the customer has to wait." (p. 450).

3. Voss, C. A. (1987). Just-in-Time Manufacture. In International Journal of Operations & Production Management (Vol. 7, Issue 4). Emerald Group Publishing Limited. The article defines JIT as a system aimed at producing "the necessary units in the necessary quantities at the necessary time." (p. 10). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/eb054793