Just in sequence

Just in Sequence (JIS) is a further progression over Just In Time.

Not only are the parts used for production delivered just when they are needed, they are also delivered in the correct order, i.e. in the same sequence as the sequence of the manufacturing orders. JIS, like many TPS tools, is today in use predominantly in the automobile manufacturing. The respective control system is called sequence inlining system.

In Lean terms this means producing components in the order in which they were consumed. This can become important where inventory levels are low and production variability is low. Under these circumstances the oldest 'order' (or consumption) will be the first to need more of the component hence early replenishment is key to maintaining flow and low inventory.

Implementation

In order to get production to be "JIS" then some memory of the order of consumption/use needs to be kept. This may be as simple as keeping the withdrawal kanban in a single stack per preceding supply process rather than a stack per type of item produced. This way when the kanban are transmitted back up to the supplying processes they are confronted not only with quantities but also supply order.