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The logistics of Just-in-Time between parts suppliers and car assemblers in Japan

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  • Kaneko, Jun
  • Nojiri, Wataru

Abstract

This study is an attempt to elucidate the spatial structure of “Just-in-Time” (JIT)-based logistics for the distribution of automotive parts in Japan. A diverse range of opinions on spatial structure have been presented in economic geography in the West: namely the ways in which implementing JIT causes the locations of parts suppliers to become concentrated or dispersed; and the things which can be considered as contributing factors in such concentrations or dispersals. In response to this, the authors of this paper decided to carefully clarify the reality of such logistics in Japan by considering case examples of certain automotive parts suppliers which have implemented JIT from early on despite being located far from their respective car assembly plants. The authors will also shed light on the fact that, in order to accommodate distribution from remote locations, cross-docks operated by third-party logistics providers (3PL) are located near car assembly plants, and will seek to further clarify the functions of these cross-docks. This analysis has also enabled new insights to be gained: concentrations of suppliers such as in Toyota City are exceptions to the norm, and that instead suppliers tend to be dispersed over a wide area in Japan; even in JIT-based logistics, economies of scale are being pursued and inventories are being stored; and in deliveries to car assembly plants 3PL cross-docks are performing an important function in making small-lot, high-frequency deliveries.

Suggested Citation

  • Kaneko, Jun & Nojiri, Wataru, 2008. "The logistics of Just-in-Time between parts suppliers and car assemblers in Japan," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 16(3), pages 155-173.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jotrge:v:16:y:2008:i:3:p:155-173
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2007.06.001
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    Cited by:

    1. Yazan Emnawer Al Haraisa, 2017. "Just-In-Time System and Its Impact on Operational Excellence: An Empirical Study on Jordanian Industrial Companies," International Journal of Business and Management, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 12(12), pages 158-158, November.
    2. Adebumiti & Oluwaseun Jamiu & Muhammed Surajudeen Ayobami, 2014. "An Analysis of the Logistics Distribution Constraints Involved In the Movement of Cement from Dangote Cement Company, Obajana, Nigeria," International Journal of Management Sciences, Research Academy of Social Sciences, vol. 3(4), pages 234-245.
    3. Frank van den Heuvel & Karel van Donselaar & Peter de Langen & Jan Fransoo, 2016. "Co-Location Synergies: Specialised Versus Diverse Logistics Concentration Areas," Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG, vol. 107(3), pages 331-346, July.
    4. Shi, Wen & Shang, Jennifer & Liu, Zhixue & Zuo, Xiaolu, 2014. "Optimal design of the auto parts supply chain for JIT operations: Sequential bifurcation factor screening and multi-response surface methodology," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 236(2), pages 664-676.
    5. Daisuke Watanabe & Takeshi Kenmochi & Keiju Sasa, 2021. "An Analytical Approach for Facility Location for Truck Platooning—A Case Study of an Unmanned Following Truck Platooning System in Japan," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 5(2), pages 1-15, May.
    6. Shi, Wen & Liu, Zhixue & Shang, Jennifer & Cui, Yujia, 2013. "Multi-criteria robust design of a JIT-based cross-docking distribution center for an auto parts supply chain," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 229(3), pages 695-706.
    7. Asefeh Hasani Goodarzi & Seyed Hessameddin Zegordi, 2020. "Vehicle routing problem in a kanban controlled supply chain system considering cross-docking strategy," Operational Research, Springer, vol. 20(4), pages 2397-2425, December.
    8. Hidekazu Itoh & David Guerrero, 2020. "Investigating variations in the deep-sea sourcing strategies of car manufacturers: Two case studies of parts consolidation centers in Japan," Post-Print hal-02549412, HAL.
    9. Emilie Gaubert & David Guerrero, 2014. "Modèles d'organisation logistique : une typologie d'activités," Post-Print hal-01069438, HAL.
    10. Jianling Chen & Kun Wang & Yihai Huang, 2021. "An integrated inbound logistics mode with intelligent scheduling of milk-run collection, drop and pull delivery and LNG vehicles," Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, Springer, vol. 32(8), pages 2257-2265, December.

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