What is the term for a manufacturing practice that requires materials to be brought to a workstation precisely when they are needed?

The term for a manufacturing practice that requires materials to be brought to a workstation precisely when they are needed is Just In Time Production. This approach focuses on reducing waste and increasing efficiency by ensuring that inventory levels are kept to a minimum. By delivering the right amount of materials at the right time, manufacturers can avoid overproduction and excess inventory costs, thereby maintaining a streamlined production process.

This method allows for better management of resources and can lead to improvements in productivity and quality. In contrast to other manufacturing practices, such as Continuous Flow Production, which emphasizes a constant flow of materials, or Batch Production, which involves producing goods in specific groups or quantities, Just In Time Production is specifically designed to align material supply closely with production schedules. Lean Manufacturing also overlaps with Just In Time concepts but encompasses a broader philosophy of eliminating waste across all areas of production, not just inventory management.