The document discusses the Japanese philosophy of productivity which emphasizes simplicity, holistic thinking, excellent plan execution, respect, teamwork, and continuous improvement. It describes how Japanese companies utilize low inventories, just-in-time delivery between close vendor partners, preventative maintenance of technology, and kanban systems. While highly effective, challenges to replicating the Japanese model include differences in transportation infrastructure 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
© 2009 Factory Strategies Group LLC. All rights reserved.

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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