What Is the Difference Between Synchronous Manufacturing & Just-in-Time Manufacturing?

by Audra Bianca
Eliminating waste from the value stream requires lean production methods.

Eliminating waste from the value stream requires lean production methods.

Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images

A manufacturer obtains raw materials from suppliers, processes them in a production center and distributes them to customers. Synchronous manufacturing and just-in-time manufacturing are two systems that allow manufacturers to reduce the time between the customer's placement of an order and receipt of the product. Even though the goals of these two systems are similar, differences exist between them.

Manufacturing Velocity

Manufacturing velocity is the speed at which a manufacturer produces a product. Manufacturers obtain this number by dividing current cycle time by value-added time. Current cycle time refers to how long it takes between removing materials from storage until placing finished products in the warehouse. Value added time refers to the "processing time of manufacturing operations that add value to the product," according to Steven M. Bragg in "Business Ratios and Formulas: A Comprehensive Guide."

Synchronous Manufacturing

In synchronous manufacturing, production occurs in different production centers; some centers have constraints that limit the rate of production and some centers do not. Both types of centers must focus on using raw materials to produce goods that are nearly ready for shipment to customers, with the production schedule closely following the level of customer orders. The manufacturer saves money on the cost of transporting raw materials to production centers and by preventing the storage of raw materials near production centers that aren't required for satisfying actual customer orders.

Just-in-Time Manufacturing

This manufacturing model pursues a higher manufacturing velocity by phasing out any activity that doesn't increase value for a customer. The manufacturer wants to reduce the time between obtaining materials and finishing products, and may focus on problems such as overproduction, product defects and waste during transit of raw materials. For example, if a manufacturer wants to ensure that equipment used to produce a plastic doll will result in as many dolls as possible per batch of plastic material, it will focus on the condition of the equipment so that factory workers can make improvements and reduce the number of defective dolls they must throw away.


The main difference between the two systems is in manufacturing velocity. Just-in-time production focuses on sourcing raw materials just in time for factory use according to a production schedule; it helps manufacturers be able to store low quantities of raw materials. Synchronous manufacturing ensures that a manufacturer processes raw materials into finished products in the order that customers place orders, or first-in/first-out. The latter model doesn't work well when there's a delay in raw materials or parts. For example, Japanese manufacturers that experienced production delays of computerized parts after the 2011 earthquake/tsunami caused production delays for auto makers and other companies awaiting their high-tech parts, even in the U.S.

About the Author


Photo Credits

  • Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
bibliography-icon icon for annotation tool Cite this Article