Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Jidoka is a concept designed to embed quality during the manufacturing process. If
defective parts or equipment malfunction is detected, the machine in question stops
automatically thus avoiding the manufacture of defective products.
Just-in-time (JIT) is a management approach with roots in the kanban system. The main
purpose of JIT is the reduction of in-process inventory to a minimum by producing just
what is needed at that time. JIT is a “pull system”—in contrast with materials requirement
planning, which is a “push system”—in which production at each stage is started only
when requested. The evident advantage of JIT is the reduction of inventory; however, it
has the added benefits of improving the quality of the products and minimizing waste
(Nahmias, 1997).
Kanban is an information system that supports JIT inventory systems. In a kanban system,
the information flows in opposite direction (upstream) as the production flows downstream.
The system is triggered by the customer's demand of a particular product and the signal travels
upstream in the production chain.
SHARING KNOWLEDGE WITH SUPPLIERS
AND CUSTOMERS
Potential long-term sustainability does not occur in the vacuum. Food companies are part of a
vast network of suppliers in the upstream and customers in the downstream segment. Following
the teachings of TQM, successful sustainability will be achieved just as knowledge is shared
with the whole of the supply chain and happen only all links fulfill the requirements of
sustainability. As a result, chances of developing a sustainable food supply chain increase
significantly as all players act as partners in the sustainability effort.
INTEGRATING SUSTAINABILITY INTO
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
In the last decade, sustainability has been the catchphrase used by many companies, including
food companies, to gain approval from customers and stakeholders. Without too much
understanding of the concept, many felt the need for not being last in jumping on the “green
wagon” or decided to benefit from the green ride without doing too much. Sustainability
initiatives have varied from performing small improvements in efficiency to doing nothing,
plain and simple. Of course these initiatives did not last too long and quickly most of the
claims were pulled from marketing campaigns.
Other companies, on the other hand, took time to substantiate their claims with authentic
sustainability programs by incorporating sustainability into their missions and integrating the
concept into their management systems.
The most well-known guideline for the implementation of a management system is ISO 9001.
The ISO 9001:2008 that replaces the previous 9001:2000 presents a systematic approach to
implement and certify quality management systems for any organization. Companies that
adopt the ISO 9001:2008 may have the purpose of pursuing certification; however, it is not
compulsory (ISO, 2006a, b).
Another framework for management systems is the business excellence approach. In
the United States, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program provides that
framework; and companies either adopt the program to pursue a national award or just to
improve their management system and profitability.
