Just-in-time practices in Singapore

Abstract

The concept of Just-in-Time (JIT) was pioneered by

the Toyota Motor Company in Japan, but its practice has

been widely spread to other countries including

Singapore. This project addresses the issues of JIT

practice in Singapore. The scope includes a profile of

JIT companies, their implementation experiences, the

costs and benefits, and the impact on the costing system.

It also examines the reasons of non-implementation.

The literature on JIT has been flourishing since the

mid 1970's. Many authors had advocated numerous JIT

concepts and had been concerned with the benefits of JIT

techniques and the potential problems that may arise

during JIT implementation. This study undertakes to

address the much explored issues in the local context.

A survey has been carried out among the JIT and nonJIT

companies in Singapore. From the data gathered, a

typical portrait of a JIT company in Singapore can be

drawn and some insight is gained with regard to the

deterrents of JIT implementation for the non-JIT

companies. A detailed analysis of the findings reveals

some characteristics that are unique in the Singapore

context.

It is hoped that this project will provide a useful

guide to JIT companies to identify the prevalent problems

and overcome them. For non-JIT companies contemplating

the implementation of JIT system, they may find this

report a useful source of information.