JIT is Playground for Big Companies

JIT for Third and X-th Supplier?
Eric Schmitz, Other, Belgium
Besides the three cushions against delivery time variability (stock, capacity, unhappy customers) you should also mention analysis of customer demand.
A better understanding of the needs of the endcustomer can help you manage capacity, stock and customer satisfaction.
Of course this means that you have to understand the total value stream. Remember: if you do not want to invest in understanding the total value stream (including the different suppliers within this value stream which are not the endcustomer), you have to accept that the next one in the valuestream is your endcustomer.

JIT for the Next One
Cengiz Pak, Strategy Consultant, Turkey
Yes, it is very important and critical to understand the total value chain and total supply chain expectations. It is very clear that if a company wants to apply JIT principles, the eco-system should be OK. If not, the company needs to be a big customer for the suppliers.

JIT Suitability
Sabari, Analyst, India
In the perspective of an OEM, JIT is the most effective operational strategy as it minimizes its investment in inventory, but tier 1 to tier n suppliers will not be liking to supply products in small lots as they think it is not profitable to them as they have to bear the transportation cost. But if we want to establish a lean supply chain, these practices should be followed by suppliers at all levels.

Survival Game
Cengiz Pak, Strategy Consultant, Turkey
Yes, it seems to be the best strategy. But the savings of the chain are also shared by all members! The name of the game is "survival of the fittest". The companies should work on elimination of waste and keep themselves ready for the next turn.