The article compares the traditionally balanced and just-in-time lines of production. Over the years, many companies have implemented the just-in-time (JIT) philosophy to assist them in competing on the basis of speed and agility. JIT production lines utilize capacity slack to assist in...

The article presents results of a computer simulation experiment which investigated the use of protective capacity as a means to reduce production cycle times and inventory holdings for a production line. In the 1980s, quality was the primary focus for competition in many businesses. Many...