Before the Covid-19 pandemic rocked the world, factory workers were humming along assembling products just after components were delivered. It was called “just-in-time” production. It was efficient, predictable and cost effective.
Today, companies scramble just to find parts, lock in purchases (and hopefully prices) and work around estimated delivery schedules. It is a different world.
For example, three years ago people touring the Boeing 737 plant in Renton saw 737s creeping down long assembly lines where wings, engines and tail were mounted on fuselages. Parts came from around the world and were added at the right time.
The fuselages were fabricated in Kansas, transported by rail to Washington while other components arrived by sea, rail and truck. Custom parts were added as the aircraft moved down the factory floor.
Success of “just-in-time” production hinged on timely deliveries. The benefit was companies didn’t…
