Application of Just-in-Time Inventory Management in Construction Projects: A Systematic Review

Efficient materials management is one of the key components in achieving efficiency and cost reduction in the construction industry. Many construction companies have traditional inventory management systems whereby materials in excess of what is required are stored. This leads to handling of materials and consequently tremendous amounts of materials wasted once materials have reached the construction site. Just-In-Time (JIT) is an inventory management approach that was first used by Toyota in its Production System and would enable the construction firm to receive materials in the right quantities at the right time. This would reduce the materials in storage and consequently boost efficiency. From conducting a systematic search of literature pertaining to JIT in construction industry inventory management, it was established that there were various research studies that offered insights into JIT and its benefits and challenges in construction industry inventory management. Results indicated that there were various ways in which JIT is effective in reducing material waste and boosting efficiency in construction industry inventory management