Re: Better late than never
When I worked for the MOD, the bean-counters forced JIT upon us. Up until this point we had a Main Store on our site that serviced local specialised storerooms stocking parts that section was likely to need on very short notice. It was inefficient, but it worked.
The always-beloved bean-counters had 'negotiated' that companies such as RS Components, Farnell, Plessey, etc., (even Maplin), could supply urgently-needed components the same day if needed.
In research, some time you want to try a QAD (Quick And Dirty) fix to some problem. Local stores helped immensely. No delays.
These on-site stores carried everything from wire nails to Swarfega to carefully-selected 'universal' electronic components to metal stock, and so much more.
Enter JIT.
'The Falklands' happened. Everything went into overdrive. Including the 'car pool.' We spent more time driving to suppliers than doing the bloody work! What could have been done in hours, now took days.
Lives were at stake. Literally.
When JIT works, it's good. When one thing upsets it and the supply chain is interrupted, the whole thing collapses.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
