A comparison of current practices in German manufacturing industries

Supplier-customer relations based on JIT deliveries are becoming more and more common in many industries. Theoretical discussion indicates both advantages and disadvantages. This paper covers the results of a comprehensive survey of three different German industrial branches presented from the customer's point of view. The questions answered concerned the objectives, dissemination, and success of JIT. The survey revealed that the JIT concept is seldom used in the same way or to the same extent, despite already being widely spread. It still needs to be developed further in future.