The Japanese philosophy focuses on simplicity, holism, execution, respect, improvement and balancing productivity and quality. Japanese workers have positive attitudes and managers emphasize interaction, motivation and training. Inventory is managed through low levels, scheduling, delivery and unpacking. Close vendor relations are built on information sharing and proximity. Production uses Kanban, a signaling system, to trigger replenishment through stockpoints and feedback. Technology utilizes tools, computers and preventive maintenance. Challenges include transportation, workforce and protectionist policies.

1. The Japanese
Productivity
Philosophy and Practices
A summary and re-presentation for:
A Study Mission Report
JAPANESE PRODUCTIVITY
By: John M. Burnham, CPIM, Tennessee Technological University
Published by: APICS, 1983
Re-presentation by: Yasmeen Bsaiso
Operations and Supply Chain Management Senior Student
Supervised by: Dr. Mohammad Mady
The College of Business Administration.
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2. Outline
1. Philosophy
2. The Japanese worker
3. Inventory Management
4. Vendor Relations
- KANBAN
5. Technology
6. Challenges
7. Conclusion
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3. 1. Philosophy
1. Simplicity
2. Holistic view
3. Excellent plan execution
4. Respect and teamwork
5. Continuous improvement
6. Balance: productivity and quality
(higher quality = less waste = lower costs = higher productivity)
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4. The Japanese
Productivity
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5. 2. The Japanese Worker
• Attitude
• Employees
• Managers
• The interaction
• Money
• Motivation
• Training and Job Rotation
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6. 3. Inventory Management
• Very low inventory
• Scheduling
• Uploading
• Delivery
• Unloading
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7. 4. Vendor Relations
• Close relations
• Information sharing
• Vendor close to the user
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8. Production and Inventory Control
KANBAN
• What is it?
It’s a signalling system to trigger action
• The essential elements of KANBAN:
1. Stockpoint(s)
2. A Withdrawal Signal
3. Immediate Feedback
4. Frequent Replenishment
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9. Production and Inventory Control
KANBAN
• When to use KANBAN?
• Benefits
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10. Production and Inventory Control
KANBAN
• Challenges
• e- KANBAN
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11. 5. Technology
• Tools
• Computer technology
• Preventive maintenance
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12. 6. Challenges
• Truck transportation
• Workforce
• The protectionist Japanese policy
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13. Remark
“The Japanese people appear to be very clean. Litter is
particularly non-existent”
Burnham
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14. A new
mission
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