English Learning Podcast Conversation | Episode 47: Just In Time Strategy

Summary

In this episode of EnglishPod, hosts Marco and Erica introduce advanced English vocabulary and phrases related to the business concept of Just-In-Time (JIT) philosophy. They discuss the importance of reducing lead times and ensuring supplier quality assurance to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. The dialogue in the podcast illustrates a company's plan to implement JIT to avoid redundancies. Key vocabulary includes 'redundancies', 'workstations', 'lead time', 'defective', and phrases like 'I'm with you on this one'. The hosts also delve into the origins of JIT, tracing it back to the Toyota Production System and its roots in the United States. The episode is designed to equip listeners with the language skills necessary for discussing business strategies and quality control measures.

Takeaways

• 📚 The lesson focuses on the 'Just in Time' (JIT) philosophy, a business strategy aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs.
• 🔍 'Lead time' is a crucial concept in JIT, referring to the time between the start and end of a process, such as production or delivery.
• 🏭 Reducing lead times can be achieved by optimizing workstations, streamlining processes, and improving coordination with suppliers.
• 🛠️ The dialogue in the script discusses implementing JIT to avoid redundancies, which paradoxically might sometimes lead to layoffs due to increased efficiency.
• 🔧 'Workstations' are defined as areas where work is performed, and the script suggests moving them closer together to enhance production efficiency.
• ⏰ The term 'at a given machine' is used to refer to any machine in a production line, highlighting the need for efficiency at every stage.
• 🚫 'Defective' items are those with errors, and the script emphasizes the importance of quality control to reduce defects and improve product quality.
• 👍 The phrase 'I'm with you on this one' is used to express agreement with a point being made in a discussion.
• 🌐 The JIT philosophy originated from the Ford Motor Company and was popularized by Toyota, highlighting its global and historical significance.
• 💡 The script suggests that implementing JIT can lead to more efficient use of space, which is particularly beneficial for countries with limited resources like Japan.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the English Pod lesson discussed in the transcript?

The main topic of the English Pod lesson is the 'just in time' (JIT) philosophy in business, focusing on efficiency and reducing costs.

What does the term 'lead time' refer to in the context of the transcript?

In the transcript, 'lead time' refers to the time between the beginning and the end of a process, such as the time between placing an order and the product being finished or delivered.

Why is reducing lead time important in the JIT philosophy as discussed in the transcript?

Reducing lead time is important in the JIT philosophy because it improves overall efficiency, reduces the time products spend in production or transit, and minimizes the need for holding large inventories.

What are some ways to reduce production lead times as mentioned in the transcript?

Some ways to reduce production lead times mentioned in the transcript include moving workstations closer together, reducing queue length, and improving coordination and cooperation between successive processes.

How can delivery lead times be reduced according to the transcript?

Delivery lead times can be reduced through close cooperation with suppliers, possibly by encouraging suppliers to locate closer to the factory or by working with faster shipping companies.

What is the significance of 'supplier quality assurance' in the context of the JIT philosophy discussed in the transcript?

Supplier quality assurance is significant in the JIT philosophy because it ensures that the quality of incoming materials is consistent and high, reducing the need for additional inspections and reworks, which can disrupt the just-in-time flow.

What does the term 'redundancies' mean in a business context as used in the transcript?

In a business context, 'redundancies' refers to layoffs or the elimination of positions that are no longer needed, often due to increased efficiency or cost-cutting measures.

What is the origin of the JIT philosophy as discussed in the transcript?

The JIT philosophy originated from the Ford Motor Company in the United States, but it was the Japanese, particularly Toyota, who popularized it as part of the Toyota Production System.

How does the concept of 'workstations' relate to the JIT philosophy in the transcript?

In the context of the JIT philosophy, 'workstations' are areas where specific tasks are performed. The transcript suggests optimizing the layout of workstations to reduce lead times and improve efficiency.

What is the meaning of the phrase 'I'm with you on this one' as used in the transcript?

The phrase 'I'm with you on this one' used in the transcript means that the speaker agrees with the point being made by someone else in the conversation.

What is the potential downside of implementing JIT as hinted in the transcript?

A potential downside of implementing JIT, as hinted in the transcript, is that increased efficiency and reduced lead times might lead to redundancies, where some workers may become unnecessary and thus be laid off.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Just-In-Time Philosophy

The script opens with hosts Marco and Erica introducing an advanced English lesson focused on the business concept of Just-In-Time (JIT) philosophy. They plan to cover basic aspects of JIT within a company and discuss the relevant language and terminology used in a business setting. The hosts preview vocabulary such as 'lead time,' explaining it as the interval from order placement to product delivery or completion. They also mention that different companies have varying lead times, and they humorously note that their podcast has a two-week lead time with episodes delivered every other day.

05:01

🏭 JIT Implementation and Language Takeaway

The script continues with a dialogue from a business meeting discussing the implementation of JIT to enhance manufacturing efficiency amidst a financial crisis. The meeting's goal is to avoid layoffs by reducing lead times and improving quality control. The hosts then break down the language used in the dialogue, focusing on terms like 'redundancies,' 'workstations,' 'at a given machine,' and 'defective.' They provide examples of how these terms are used in business conversations, emphasizing the importance of efficiency and quality assurance in JIT practices.

10:02

🌏 Origins and Impact of JIT

In this section, the hosts delve into the origins of the JIT philosophy, tracing it back to the Ford Motor Company and its influence on the Toyota Production System. They discuss how the concept was adapted by Japanese companies due to space constraints, leading to a focus on process efficiency and reduced inventory. The conversation also touches on potential drawbacks of JIT, such as redundancies that may arise from increased efficiency. The hosts share personal insights, with one mentioning a connection to Six Sigma, hinting at a possible future lesson on the topic.

15:02

🔍 Vocabulary Review and Practical Application

The final paragraph is a comprehensive vocabulary review, reinforcing key terms introduced throughout the script. It includes definitions and practical examples of words like 'redundancy,' 'lead time,' 'workstation,' 'given,' 'defective,' 'warehouse,' 'stock,' 'bottleneck,' 'efficiency,' 'cost-efficient,' and 'carrying cost.' The script concludes with an interactive exercise where listeners are encouraged to use the vocabulary words in sentences, promoting active learning and application of the concepts discussed.

Keywords

💡Just in Time (JIT)

Just in Time (JIT) is a production strategy that aims to improve efficiency and reduce costs by minimizing waste and inventory. In the video, the company is looking to implement JIT to respond to the credit crunch and global financial crisis. The goal is to produce goods only as they are needed, which reduces the need for storage and the carrying costs associated with inventory. The script mentions reducing lead times and improving coordination between processes as part of the JIT philosophy.

💡Lead Time

Lead time refers to the time it takes to complete a process, from the start to the finish. In the context of the video, lead time is discussed in relation to production and delivery. The company wants to reduce lead times to improve overall efficiency. The script gives examples of production lead time, which is the time between ordering and completing a product, and delivery lead time, which is the time between ordering and receiving the product.

💡Redundancies

Redundancies, in a business context, refer to positions or employees that are no longer needed and are laid off. The term originates from the idea of something being 'extra' or 'more than what's needed.' In the video, the company is trying to avoid redundancies by implementing cost-efficient measures like JIT. The script uses redundancies to highlight the need for efficiency improvements to prevent layoffs.

💡Workstations

A workstation is a designated area where an individual performs their work, which can range from a desk to a specific machine on a production line. In the video, the company discusses moving workstations closer together to reduce production lead times. This is part of the JIT strategy to improve the flow of work and reduce inefficiencies.

💡At a Given Machine

The phrase 'at a given machine' is used to refer to any machine within a production process. It is a way to generalize the discussion to any point in the production line. The script mentions reducing the number of jobs waiting to be processed at a given machine as a way to improve efficiency.

💡Defective

Defective refers to products or items that have errors or problems, making them imperfect or not meeting quality standards. The video discusses the need to reduce defective items by implementing a zero defects quality program. The company aims to improve quality control and reduce errors to eliminate defective products.

💡Quality Assurance

Quality assurance is a process that ensures products meet certain quality standards. In the video, the company wants to require supplier quality assurance to reduce the number of defective items. This involves implementing a quality control program that gives workers responsibility for the quality of their work and the authority to stop production if issues arise.

💡Zero Defects Quality Program

A zero defects quality program is an initiative aimed at achieving a goal of no errors or defects in products. The video script mentions implementing such a program to eliminate errors that lead to defective items. This program would involve strict quality control measures and personal responsibility for workers to ensure the quality of their work.

💡Efficiency

Efficiency refers to the ability to produce something more quickly or with less waste. In the video, the company is focused on improving efficiency by reducing lead times and improving coordination between processes. Efficiency is a key aspect of the JIT philosophy, as it helps to reduce costs and improve the overall performance of the company.

💡Bottleneck

A bottleneck is a point in a process where the flow of work is slowed down, causing delays. In the video, the concept of bottlenecks is mentioned in relation to workstations that might be causing delays in the production process. The company aims to address these bottlenecks to improve the efficiency of their operations.

Highlights

Introduction to the concept of 'just in time' philosophy in business

Discussion on efficiency and reducing costs in the context of the 'just in time' approach

Explanation of 'lead time' in production and delivery processes

The impact of different lead times on company operations

Strategy to reduce production and delivery lead times for efficiency

Methods to reduce lead times, such as moving workstations and improving coordination

The role of supplier cooperation in reducing delivery lead times

Introduction of the concept of 'redundancies' in business

Importance of workstations in the production process and their optimization

Use of the term 'at a given machine' to refer to any machine in a process

Definition and implications of 'defective' products in manufacturing

Phrase 'I'm with you on this one' indicating agreement in a business context

Historical origins of the 'just in time' philosophy and its development

The influence of the Toyota production system on the 'just in time' philosophy

The potential for 'just in time' to cause redundancies due to increased efficiency

Comparison of 'just in time' with Six Sigma as a business strategy

Invitation for listeners to share their experiences with 'just in time' and quality control measures

Conclusion and call to action for listeners to visit the EnglishPod website for further engagement

Transcripts

[Music]

hello English Learners welcome back to

English pod my name is Marco and I'm

Erica and we're bringing you a very

Advanced lesson today that's right um

we're talking about another business

topic aren't we it's a topic that's kind

of popular these days all about

efficiency and reducing costs so we're

going to be talking about the just in

time philosophy um I don't know much

about this philosophy uh so good thing

we've got Marco here well what we are

going to be looking at is not really in

depth we're just going to be looking at

some basic points of what a Justin Time

philosophy would be like in a company

mhm but what we're really going to be

looking at is the language to do with

this philosophy right exactly we're

going to be looking at some uh technical

terms some uh and some other useful

phrases that you can use when you're

talking in a business setting okay well

why don't we get started with the

language then okay let's take a look at

vocabulary preview vocabulary preview on

vocabulary preview today we have the

word lead time lead time lead time e a d

lead lead time right like lead this is

something that factories usually would

use yep yeah I guess lead time is the

time in between point a and point B on a

production schedule right right so you

could have for example production lead

time so that's the time between when you

make an order um and when the the

product is finished exactly and you

could also have delivery lead time so

the time between when you place an order

and when uh the product gets delivered

to you so depending on the companies you

have different lead times some are 3

days other are 5 days other are 45 days

and we at English pod have a two week

lead time for our our podcast right but

our delivery lead time is every other

day that's true nice okay that's all

we're going to be previewing today so

why don't we just listen to the dialogue

and then we'll come back and explain

some of these uh tricky vocabulary words

that we'll see

[Music]

I called this meeting today in order to

discuss our manufacturing plan as I'm

sure you're all aware with the credit

Crunch and the global financial crisis

we are obligated to look for more

cost-efficient ways of producing our

Goods we don't want to have to be

looking at redundancies so we've

outlined a brief plan to implement the

just intime philosophy we have two basic

points that we want to focus on first of

all we want to reduce our lead time why

would we want to do that I think this is

not an area that really needs to be

worked on well we want to reduce

production and delivery lead times for

better overall efficiency right

production lead times can be reduced by

moving workstations closer together

reducing Q length like for example

reducing the number of jobs waiting to

be processed at a given machine and

improving the coordination and

cooperation between successive processes

delivery lead to times can be reduced

through close cooperation with suppliers

possibly by inducing suppliers to locate

closer to the factory or working with a

faster shipping company I see that makes

sense the second point is that we want

to require supplier quality assurance

and Implement a zero defects quality

program we currently have far too many

errors that lead to defective items and

therefore they must be eliminated a

quality control at the source program

must be implemented to give workers

personal responsibility for the quality

of the work they do and the authority to

stop production when something goes

wrong I'm with you on this one it's

essential that we reduce these errors

we've got to force our suppliers to

reduce their mistakes exactly well let's

look at how we're going to put this plan

into action

[Music]

first okay so they're going to implement

just in time in their company yes yeah I

guess they're putting in some some cost

control measures so so Marco there's

some great language in here um why don't

we look at it now and language

takeaway language

takeaway okay the first word today

redundancies

redundancies redundancies redundancies

so this is kind of a strange word

because usually a redundancy is when

you're speaking right um yeah maybe when

you you say something that's already

been said exactly you say something that

has already been said but we also use it

in the business world right and it comes

from the base word redundant right okay

um meaning extra more than what's needed

okay so when a person or position is

made redundant um basically it means

they get laid off right right so

redundancies are a synonym of of layoffs

exactly okay all right let's take a look

at our next word workstations

workstations workstations workstations

so workstation could be anything from

your desk yeah or maybe a workbench a

workbench or even a place on a

production line right so you're a

certain machine or something like that

yeah so basically a workstation is the

area where you work okay okay so you can

say can we get a new workstation for the

new team member mhm or I could say um I

want to move my workstation closer to my

employees all right so workstation mhm

okay let's take a look at our next word

at a given machine at a given machine at

a given at a given this is an

interesting way to say at any machine

exactly um yeah given here is operating

exactly the same same as here the word

given is operating exactly the same way

as any as any y okay so let's listen to

some examples of of how we can change it

up a little bit and we can use this

given word example

one in this Factory how many cars are in

production at any given time

example

two on any given day about 40 million

people use the

internet example

three firefighters have to be ready to

attend an emergency at any given

moment all right so any given time at

any given moment yep um any given day

okay now let's take a look at our last

word today

defective defective defective

defective so if something is defective

it has a problem with it it has a

problem yeah we can say defective is an

adjective right and the noun is defect

defect y so if something has a defect it

is defective right so for example maybe

you produce chairs and and you you make

one and this chair is missing a wheel

okay so it's defective yes the defect is

the missing wheel the defect is the okay

so before we listen to our dialogue

again I want to take a look at this

phrase I'm with you on this one I'm with

you on this one I'm with you on this one

I'm with you on this one so what does

that what does that mean exactly I'm

with you on this one I I agree with you

I agree with you on this point exactly

okay so if you agree with somebody on on

a certain point you would say oh I'm

with you on this one I agree with you

exactly okay so now let's listen to our

dialogue again and uh we'll come back

and talk a little bit more about the

history of this just in

[Music]

time I called this meeting today in

order to discuss our manufacturing plan

as I'm sure you're all aware with the

credit Crunch and the global financial

crisis we are obligated to look for more

cost-efficient ways of producing our

Goods we don't want to have to be

looking at redundancy

so we've outlined a brief plan to

implement the just in time philosophy we

have two basic points that we want to

focus on first of all we want to reduce

our lead time why would we want to do

that I think this is not an ARA that

really needs to be walked on well we

want to reduce production and delivery

lead times for better overall efficiency

right production lead times can be

reduced by moving workstations closer

together reducing Q length like for

example reducing the number of jobs

waiting to be processed at a given

machine and improving the coordination

and cooperation between successive

processes delivery lead times can be

reduced through close cooperation with

suppliers possibly by inducing suppliers

to locate closer to the factory or

working with a faster shipping company I

see that makes sense the second point is

that we want to require supplier quality

assurance and Implement a zero defects

quality program we currently have far

too many errors that lead to defective

items and therefore they must be

eliminated a quality control at the

source program must be implemented to

give workers personal responsibility for

the quality of the work they do and the

authority to stop production when

something goes wrong I'm Wai on this one

it's essential that we reduce these

errors we've got to force our suppliers

to reduce their mistakes exactly well

let's look at how we're going to put

this plan into action first

all right so Marco I mentioned at the

beginning of the lesson that I don't

know much about just in time um but

luckily you do right yeah I know a

little bit about it so so tell me a

little bit about where this philosophy

came from what are the origins of this

idea it actually became really popular

with Toyota and it was called the Toyota

production system so many people think

it's Japanese but in reality the

Japanese got it from the United States

it's a philosophy that was thought up by

Ford mortar company in order to improve

their production line but when the

Japanese visited Ford Motor Company it

wasn't fully implemented yet and oddly

enough they found this philosophy

working already in a Piggly Wiggly

what's a Piggly Wiggly Piggly Wiggly was

a chain of uh of grocery stores in the

United States okay uh I'm not sure if

they're still around but um but yeah

they were really big and basically

Piggly Wiggly was using this to improve

their whole system of shipping and of

stocking and everything okay so how does

it work so basically what you try to do

is make your processes more efficient

reduce the amount of space you're using

Etc and this was really important for

Japanese because of course they don't

have that much space in Japan to have

these huge warehouses like in other

countries so what you're saying is

they're producing Goods um just for the

time they need it right exactly so

trying to not be overstocked or or have

like a long lead time or something long

lead times where you have to keep

something in a warehouse exactly so

that's why it's so efficient and also

it's about improving the efficiency

between processes so uh what sometimes

called a bottleneck you can have really

good processes in the beginning but in

the end maybe you have only one

workstation that's taking all these

orders and everything gets bottled up

and and it causes delays so in the

dialogue they want to implement the just

in time strategy um as a way of avoiding

redundancies but it sounds to me like

actually this might cause redundancies

sometimes well yeah sometimes it does

sometimes um sometimes when you make

workstations more efficient or when you

make all your processes work more

fluidly sometimes inevitably you will

have to lay off some people that are

that are redundant okay have you ever

worked in a company where they've

implemented uh just in time no actually

I've never really worked at a place

where this philosophy was working but uh

I did used to work at a place where we

had Six Sigma which is uh kind of which

is a little bit similar yeah well I

guess we'll need a lesson on Six Sigma

in the future yeah we'll see if we come

up with a Six Sigma and what it means

and it's kind of interesting but uh we

want to hear what you think yes have you

guys worked in a place where um they

where they use Justus in time exactly or

if you have any quality control measures

or how does your company avoid having

effective items or defective services so

visit our website uh englishpod do.com

and Marco and I are always around to

respond to your comments and answer your

questions exactly so until then it's

goodbye

[Music]

bye the English pod audio

review listen to the meaning then say

the vocabulary word May make a person do

something because it is the right thing

to

do

obligate cheap not

expensive cost

efficient layoff the ending of workers's

employment

redundancy put a plan into

action

implement the time between the beginning

of a process and its

end lead

time the ability to produce something

more

quickly

efficiency an area where a person works

and does his

job

workstation used to refer to a specific

time place or

thing given

having a mistake or error that makes

something not

perfect

defective a mistake or error that makes

something not

perfect

defect supply of goods stored in a

place

inventory the cost of holding

inventory carrying

cost large building where products or

goods are

stored

Warehouse the supply of goods for sale

or

available

stock something that slows a process

down

bottleneck let's try that

faster having a mistake or error that

makes something not

perfect defective

large building where products or goods

are

stored

Warehouse the supply of goods for sale

or

available

stock something that slows a process

down

bottleneck the ability to produce

something more

quickly

efficiency cheap not

expensive cost efficient

supply of goods stored in a

place

inventory put a plan into

action

Implement a mistake or error that makes

something not

perfect

defect an area where a person works and

does his

job

workstation make a person do something

because it is the right thing to do

obligate the time between the beginning

of a process and its

end lead time the cost of holding

inventory carrying

cost layoff the ending of workers's

employment

redundancy used to refer to a specific

time place or thing

given now say the word and hear it in a

sentence

redundancy our company is restructuring

and it looks like we will have

redundancies

redundancy I am sorry to inform you that

you have become

redundant redundancy

we have to prepare a plan to handle

potential

redundancies lead

time we offer a very low lead time at

our Factory you can get our products in

less than 3

days lead

time the standard lead time for

manufacturing tires is about one

week lead

time customers are complaining about our

delivery lead time we should try and get

the products to them

faster

workstation we need to increase the

number of workstations available for our

employees

workstation we have a total of 20

workstations but two of them are not

functional

workstation Jim you should clean up your

workstation you have papers and garbage

everywhere given

in this Factory how many cars are in

production at any given

time

given on any given day about 40 million

people use the

internet

given firefighters have to be ready to

attend an emergency at any given

moment

defective can I return this defective TV

it doesn't

work

defective we try to reduce the number of

defective products by having strict

quality

control defective

it seems that a defective light bulb was

the cause of the fire

[Music]