COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Planning & Delivering Just-in-Time Logistics Solutions course. This training is designed to provide you with the strategic insight and practical tools required to design, implement, and manage just-in-time (JIT) logistics systems in dynamic industry environments. As modern supply chains continue to evolve under pressure for efficiency, responsiveness, and cost reduction, JIT logistics plays a critical role in synchronising production and delivery with real-time demand.
This course begins by defining the concept of JIT logistics within the broader supply chain context. Participants will examine the historical roots of JIT, its transformation through lean manufacturing principles, and its current relevance across automotive, retail, food, and high-tech industries. The section explores both the operational benefits—such as inventory reduction and improved responsiveness—and the challenges, including heightened risk exposure and the need for precision coordination.
Understanding the foundational principles of lean logistics is essential for successful JIT implementation. This section introduces the core lean concepts of waste elimination, flow improvement, and process standardisation, and explores how logistics activities must support lean manufacturing environments by reducing variability, removing inefficiencies, and enhancing responsiveness throughout the value stream.
An effective JIT strategy requires seamless integration of transport, inventory, and information systems. Participants will explore the key components of JIT logistics, including demand synchronisation, inventory pull systems, and precision scheduling. This section explains how successful JIT systems rely on visibility, timing, and real-time data to support low-stock, high-frequency replenishment models.
Accurate demand forecasting is vital in any JIT framework. This section focuses on methods for analysing customer demand patterns, forecasting with precision, and managing demand variability through collaborative planning. Emphasis is placed on using demand data to align supply movements with sales activity and to anticipate fluctuations during peak or promotional periods.
Industry-specific applications of JIT are then considered. Participants will explore how JIT is adapted across different sectors—from make-to-order environments in custom joinery to make-to-stock automotive component supply chains. The section provides guidance on identifying where JIT principles can be safely and profitably applied, and how to tailor strategies for various operational models.
Supplier collaboration is crucial to JIT success. This section addresses strategies for engaging with JIT-capable suppliers, sharing forecasts, and establishing real-time visibility across the supply network. Emphasis is placed on building partnerships that support joint planning, flexibility, and responsive execution.
Participants will examine how JIT logistics reduces inventory through demand-driven replenishment models such as Kanban. Warehouse configuration strategies, including cross-docking, minimal storage layouts, and fast flow-through operations, are also addressed to support the high-speed nature of JIT operations.
Transport planning and scheduling are critical for time-sensitive deliveries. This section explores vehicle routing, carrier management, and route optimisation tools. It highlights the importance of synchronising transport activity with receiving schedules and minimising delays and bottlenecks through agile, accurate planning.
Information systems are the backbone of JIT logistics. Participants will examine the roles of ERP, WMS, and TMS in coordinating data and execution across departments. Tools such as RFID, IoT, barcoding, and predictive analytics will be reviewed for their impact on visibility, forecasting, and automated decision-making.
Additional strategies such as cross-docking, lead time compression, and flow-through distribution will be covered to support high-efficiency throughput. Participants will also explore how to manage time buffers without compromising operational continuity or customer expectations.
Risk management is central to JIT sustainability. This section addresses the vulnerabilities associated with lean inventories and tight schedules, providing frameworks for identifying disruptions and developing contingency solutions. Trade-offs between cost efficiency and delivery reliability are explored through practical planning scenarios.
Participants will learn how to measure and evaluate the performance of JIT logistics systems using relevant KPIs. The course introduces continuous improvement tools such as PDCA cycles and Kaizen methods to refine processes, eliminate bottlenecks, and ensure long-term optimisation.
Effective JIT logistics also depends on coordination with internal stakeholders. This section explores the integration of logistics planning with manufacturing schedules and sales forecasts, ensuring alignment across departments and promoting a unified customer service approach.
Finally, scaling and sustaining JIT operations is addressed. Participants will review how to extend JIT principles across expanding business units, manage growth without sacrificing responsiveness, and embed lean logistics thinking into the broader supply chain culture through SOPs, training, and leadership engagement.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped to strategically plan, manage, and improve just-in-time logistics systems that deliver timely, cost-effective, and customer-focused outcomes across diverse industry sectors.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Just-in-Time (JIT) Logistics
- Defining JIT in the context of supply chain and logistics
- Historical origins and relevance in modern industry
- Benefits and challenges of JIT logistics systems
2. Principles of Lean Logistics and Supply Chain Efficiency
- Understanding lean thinking in logistics environments
- Eliminating waste (muda), variability, and bottlenecks
- The role of logistics in supporting lean manufacturing
3. Key Components of a JIT Logistics Strategy
- Synchronising demand and supply in real-time
- Importance of timing, precision, and responsiveness
- Integration of transport, inventory, and information flow
4. Analysing Demand Patterns and Forecast Accuracy
- Identifying high-frequency and low-variability demand
- Using demand data to drive replenishment and dispatch
- Handling seasonal and promotional fluctuations
5. Planning for JIT in Different Industry Contexts
- JIT in automotive, food, retail, and high-tech industries
- Adapting the model for make-to-order vs make-to-stock environments
- Differentiating between repetitive and custom order fulfilment
6. Supplier Coordination and Collaboration
- Building strong relationships with JIT-capable suppliers
- Sharing forecasts and schedules with supply partners
- Joint planning, flexibility, and performance monitoring
7. Inventory Reduction and Demand-Driven Replenishment
- Reducing stockholding through precise scheduling
- Pull-based replenishment and Kanban systems
- Avoiding overstocking and obsolescence
8. Warehouse and Fulfilment Centre Configuration
- Designing layouts for fast inbound/outbound flow
- Zone picking, cross-docking, and minimal storage models
- Allocating space for staging vs long-term storage
9. Transportation Planning for Time-Critical Deliveries
- Selecting fast, reliable transport options
- Managing carrier performance and delivery windows
- Planning transport routes with minimal delays and buffer
10. Scheduling and Route Optimisation
- Using software tools for time-based route planning
- Aligning vehicle scheduling with receiving dock availability
- Minimising dwell time and unnecessary handling
11. Information Systems Supporting JIT Execution
- ERP, WMS, and TMS systems in JIT logistics
- Real-time data sharing and electronic data interchange (EDI)
- Visibility platforms for order tracking and performance alerts
12. Role of Technology in JIT Logistics
- RFID, barcode scanning, and IoT for inventory control
- AI and machine learning for predictive dispatching
- Automation in packing, picking, and data processing
13. Cross-Docking and Flow-Through Distribution
- Principles and types of cross-docking
- Minimising dwell time for inbound and outbound goods
- Coordination between receiving and dispatching
14. Managing Lead Times and Time Buffers
- Mapping supply chain time components (order to delivery)
- Compressing lead times through better process control
- Using minimal buffers without compromising continuity
15. Risk Management in JIT Logistics
- Identifying risks: traffic, weather, supplier failure, data issues
- Developing contingency plans and dual-sourcing options
- Evaluating trade-offs between cost and reliability
16. Performance Metrics and Continuous Improvement
- Key metrics: on-time delivery, order accuracy, inventory turns
- Analysing root causes of delivery failures or stockouts
- Kaizen and PDCA cycles in logistics process refinement
17. Coordinating with Manufacturing and Sales Teams
- Aligning logistics schedules with production cycles
- Communicating order changes and status updates
- Ensuring that customer service remains aligned with JIT delivery
18. Scaling and Sustaining JIT Logistics Solutions
- Assessing when to expand or adjust JIT systems
- Managing cost-to-service trade-offs as business grows
- Embedding JIT principles into supply chain culture and SOPs
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.