Kanban and Just-in-Time (JIT) are popular tools in the Six Sigma world. Both are touted as ways to reduce waste and increase efficiency. Is there any evidence though, of the effect either of these has on lead times for the customer? It would seem that although highly efficient, these processes would bring long or extended lead times to the customer or end-user. It could be conceived that there would be some industries that this would be detrimental to if getting products out the door and in the hands of the customer in the shortest amount possible is vital. Additionally, is it possible that the longer lead times associated with these processes would lose more business/profit than the waste that occurred by not utilizing them? Any thoughts on this?
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