A just-in-time implementation framework : the Giacomini S.p.a. case

The purpose of the thesis is to introduce a framework for the design of a Just-In- Time cell, where the starting point is a batch-and-queue system. The model, defined as “LUTI JIT framework”, comes from the experience of a Lean expert and it is turned into a replicable framework. To develop the framework, a deep literature review and a field application in the Giacomini S.p.a. company were conducted. The usage of the LUTI JIT framework reveals as an effective tool in the application on the field. Indeed, the project leads to positive results under both operating and financial perspective. In comparison with the extant literature, specific areas of improvement are the presence of strong iterative component and the distinction of the “who” driver into managerial and operative workers. With the spread of Lean Manufacturing in the latest years, many companies aim at implementing Just-In-Time production system to reach the continuous flow production. However, organizations lack systematic models to efficiently transform a mass production line into a JIT cell. The LUTI JIT framework proposed addresses this issue.

L'obiettivo della tesi è l'introduzione di un framework per il design di una cell produttiva Just-In-Time, partendo da una linea produttiva a lotti. Il framework proposto, definito "LUTI JIT Framework", deriva dall'esperienza di un Lean Expert ed esso viene trasformato in un modello replicabile. Per la creazione del framework, è stato necessario condurre una profonda analisi della letteratura ed una applicazione diretta sul campo, presso l'azienda Giacomini S.p.a.