Sheffield Hallam University | Supply Chain Management | Just – in – Time approach | | [Type the author name] | 4/26/2013 |

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Question: Supply Chain Management is a term used to describe the relationship that exists between an organisation and its network of suppliers and buyers. Just-in-Time (JIT) management is the ability of an organisation to integrate its systems and processes with that of the supply network. Describe a supply chain where this occurs and discuss the challenges and benefits of the JIT methodology.
Introduction
Supply Chain Management is an essential process to most firms, in terms of competitiveness, demand, quality and services (Krajewski, Ritzman, & Malhotra, 2012). The Supply Chain Management integrates activities that bring organisations manufactured products to market and create satisfied customers. The program incorporates topics such as manufacturing, operations, purchasing, transportation, and physical distribution. If the process is successful then all of these activities are coordinated into a seamless process. The process is linked with all the partners within the organisation those include vendors, carriers, third-party companies, and information system providers.
The well known strategy used by manufacturers is known as “Just-in-Time” – JIT. JIT or also known as Lean Production named by John Krafcik, permits the production of only what is required, when it is needed, and only in the quality needed. This doesn’t only apply to the firm but also to the suppliers (Goetsch & Davis, 2012). The JIT concept was first called Toyota Production System which was initially developed by Taiichi Ohnoin the 1950s as the successor to Henry Ford mass production system. This concept was then developed and perfected by Taiichi Ohno of Toyota in 1970s, who is now referred as