JIT applications to warehousing operations

The JIT philosophy has been discussed at length in the past decade and many successful applications and implementations have been made in manufacturing environments. Most of the concepts are also applicable to warehousing and distribution systems. To remain competitive, companies in this service industry must improve the quality of the services they perform and also reduce the total cost of these services. One measure of the effectiveness of the JIT applications is the reduction of errors and complaints and leads directly to higher productivity. Higher productivity is derived also from reduced picking route distance, less storage space from more frequent replenishments of smaller quantities and an administered balance and team approach among the restocking, picking, packing and loading activities.