OPS 571 Reflection of Toyota

Toyota is the leader in developing systems on the production line for cars and trucks has become the benchmark industry for others to follow. Toyota quality management standards makes the production of made-to-order stock a little more cost effective and time efficient (Jacobs & Chase, 2019). Toyota utilizes a Just-In-Time (JIT) system for manufacturing automobiles, which is also known as "lean manufacturing" because they try to eliminate waste at every process.

Toyota has been widely recognized as one of the most effective organizations in terms of processes in the world.  According to Toyota, they continually improve “standard processes and procedures in order to ensure maximum quality improve efficiency and eliminate waste. This is known as kaizen (eliminate waste) and is applied to every sphere of the company's activities.” They use systems like Just-In-time (lean manufacturing), Jidoka (spot defects), and Kanban (supply system) to improve quality.

Process Design

Toyota utilizes a Just-In-Time (JIT) system for manufacturing automobiles.  They have been widely recognized as one of the most effective organizations in terms of processes in the world.  Toyota Production System (TPS) is a mass-produced system or (made-to-stock). However, Toyota uses many systems to guarantee supreme quality, eliminates waste and advance efficiency.  JIT manufacturing allows the manufacture process to be controlled by the natural laws of supply and demand. A consumer demand stimulates the production of a vehicle. The production of the vehicle stimulates production and delivery of the necessary parts and so on. 

First Interesting Process

Toyota has a customer-based process that works well for the company. An interesting process noted is the Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing. The use of JIT manufacturing and other elements of Toyota’s production are synchronized throughout the entire production sequence. “This is an egalitarian arrangement in which each process in the production flow becomes the customer for the preceding process and each process becomes a supermarket to the following process” (Toyota, 2013). The focus of the customer not only allows the production to continue, but proves that the Toyota company cares about what the customer thinks, needs, and wants.

The customer does not have to answer to anyone and can buy from any car lot selling Toyota vehicles. This allows the customer to feel like they are in complete control of the buying process and getting the vehicle that best suits their needs. Just-In-Time productivity means “Making only "what is needed, when it is needed, and in the amount needed" (Toyota Production System, n.d.). This method helps eliminate waste, and the vehicles are made per the customer's orders. The Toyota Company has to make sure they have the right equipment and tools in the manufacturing process to give the customers exactly what they want. This manufacturing process is what will keep the customer the Toyota Company's number one priority (Toyota Production System, n.d.).

Second Interesting Process

The beginning of Toyota’s quality process begins with their production system. The production system is interesting because the employees within the entire organization work on continuous growth of the Toyota’s products. Regardless of what position the employee holds in the organization, they can provide input on ways the company can improve. Kaizen, (2015) Postulated that, “the Toyota production system invites team members to think about the process and make timely decisions in order to keep it running smoothly, rather than merely operating like machines.”  The employees are solely responsible for the outcome of the production. They are able to stop the line if the quality does not meet up to Toyota's standards. This process keeps employees more involved, and they have ownership over their work. When employees feel a sense of responsibility they drive for results (Quality, 2015).  

Conclusion

Toyota is the leader in developing systems on the production line for cars and trucks because they care about the customers and hold their employee's too high standards. The Just-In-Time, Kanban, Jidoka, and Kaizen approach to manufacturing is what seems to keep Toyota leading the car and truck production industry. The procedures used by Toyota have aided in eliminating waste, ensuring maximum quality, and improving efficiency in the plant. Toyota's continuous quality control measures will keep them ahead of the car and truck industry for years and keep the competition working hard to duplicate their efficient production systems. 

Reference:

Kaizen, (2015). Retrieved from http://www.toyota-forklifts.co.uk/EN/company/Toyota-

   Production-System/Kaizen/Pages/default.aspx

Toyota Production System, (n.d.). Retrieved March 14, 2015, from TOYOTA website:

            http://www.toyota-global.com/company/vision_philosophy/toyota_production_system/

 Toyota, (2013). Toyota production system. Retrieved from

            http://www.toyota.com.au/toyota/company/operations/toyota-production-system

Quality, (2015). Retrieved from http://www.toyota.com/quality/