Rethinking Just in Time: The Case for the Last Responsible Moment

Why We’re Ditching ‘Just in Time’ (JIT) for Something Smarter (and Less Stressful)

Let’s be honest - Just in Time sounds like the scheduling equivalent of someone yelling, “Surprise!”

It’s a core lean manufacturing principle, but for many in packaging production, it carries the weight of last-minute scrambles, tight margins, and rising blood pressure.

So, what if we reframed it?

What if we focused on making decisions at the Last Responsible Moment (LRM) instead of delivering Just In Time?

Let’s talk JIT vs. LRM - and why we’re backing the underdog.

What Is Just in Time (JIT)?

• A lean principle focused on reducing inventory and waste.
• Production happens to meet demand, not before.
• Benefits: less stock, less clutter, more agility.
• The issue? If coordination isn't airtight, “just in time” can feel more like “just too late” in packaging.

Imagine you’re waiting on a print plate for a high-volume run. It arrives exactly when needed… unless a truck breaks down. Now what?

Enter: The Last Responsible Moment (LRM)

• A lean-thinking concept that supports decision-making as late as responsibly possible - without introducing risk.
• It gives room to respond to change while protecting against chaos.
• You’re not delaying. You’re deferring with control.

Say you’re planning a run for a custom folding carton job. Forecasts fluctuate. Holding off final ink confirmation until the last responsible moment means you’re agile - but not reckless.

Why It Matters for Packaging Manufacturers

• Customer orders are getting more custom, more variable, and more frequent.
• Demand patterns shift. Stock levels flex. Lead times tighten.
• JIT says: “Move now.”
• LRM says: “Move when it makes sense.”

For schedulers and planners, this means fewer fire drills - and smarter buffers.

JIT vs. LRM in Action: A Tale of Two Schedulers

Scenario: A flexible packaging job for a seasonal food brand.

JIT Scheduler:
Locks in materials two weeks early to hit the ‘just in time’ slot. But a recipe change throws everything off - now there’s waste and rework.

LRM Scheduler:
Builds flexibility into the schedule. Holds off on final film spec until marketing signs off at the last responsible moment. No waste. No drama.

JIT = Great for efficiency in stable environments.
LRM-inspired supply chain = Better for resilience and agility in today’s fast-moving, uncertain world.

So, Should You Throw Out JIT?

Not at all. JIT still works - it’s foundational. But LRM helps you apply it with less risk, more sanity, and better outcomes in high-mix, low-margin packaging environments.

A New Mantra for Packaging Schedulers

You don’t need to be just in time.
You need to be right on time - at the last responsible moment.

Want to Build a smarter, leaner schedule without the stress?

Learn how intelligent scheduling with PrintFlow 4D helps packaging manufacturers make confident, data-driven decisions at precisely the right moment. Get in touch to talk to our scheduling experts.