Lean production and the Internet

In this paper, the implications for lean production systems of the Internet are explored. Does the World Wide Web facilitate the implementation of Just-In-Time (JIT) production systems, or alternatively, can it serve as a substitute for JIT? The possible effects on supply chains, production scheduling, inventory control, procurement, quality improvement, and the workforce are some of the issues addressed. Some case examples of use of the Internet for these purposes are presented. Constraints on the use of the Web to foster leanness are discussed and recommendations for integrating the Internet into production systems offered. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.