materials on the desired frequency

Cross-training: Cross-training is necessary when workers are encouraged to operate multiple machines. Cross-training operationalizes the idea of job enrichment that brings more responsibility in quality of products to a person who is producing them. Consequently, quality can be improved as a worker gets more involved in a production process.Preventive maintenance: Because allows very little work-in-process inventory, machine breakdowns can be very disruptive 31 . Preventive maintenance is needed to provide a smooth production flow. Maintaining and minor repairs are considered a part of line workers' job requirements. In Japan, many users require Breitling Chrono-Matic BT-61 workers be responsible for the machines they operate for preventive maintenance and minor repairs.Vendor lot size: The willingness of the vendors to deliver small lots of raw materials and parts on a frequent basis is very important to implement the purchasing practice 31 , since requires such a delivery to be made just when there is a need for the purchased raw materials from the next operation at the exact quantity needed.Sole sourcing: Traditionally, buyers regard price as a major factor in selecting vendors and tend to have multiple sourcing to avoid locking themselves into sole source. The downside of this strategy is that it is hard to maintain a long-term relationship while relies very much on vendor loyalty 31 . With sole sourcing, buyers intend to build trust with the supplier in delivering high quality raw materials on the desired frequency.