A Reexamination of the Effects of Just-In-Time on Inbound Logistics

Just‐In‐Time (JIT) manufacturing remains an important issue and research efforts are beginning to examine its impact on other business functions. This paper proposes a theoretical model that relates the extent of JIT implementation to changes in inbound logistics practices and outcomes. Exploratory factor analysis was applied to responses from a large‐scale survey. Six underlying constructs were identified and retained, and eleven hypotheses concerning the causal relationships between these constructs were tested using LISREL. Analysis indicates that JIT: (1) improves supplier operations, (2) enhances transportation operations with respect to inbound carriers, (3) reduces the level and improves the management of inventories, (4) does not cause overall inbound logistics costs to increase, and (5) increases the quality and performance of inbound logistics.