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Definition
In Toyota concept, Heijunka is the leveling of production by both volume and product mix over a given period of time.
This technique is used to minimise side effects of a built-to-order process: For example, a company doing a strict building-to-order, will manufacture high quantities, spend money on overtime, stress its staff and push its equipment when customers orders high volumes. But will send home the very same staff, if the following week, customers orders are low!
The aim of Heijunka is to balance or level the company’s work schedule. With Heijunka system, products are not manufactured according directly to customer orders.
The total orders volumes are taken over a given period of time and levelled into order be sure that the same quantity and mix are made every day.
Advantages of Heijunka
Smooth and more regular production Predictable work schedules Level demand on suppliers Stress reduction on supply chain Overtime savings Easier human resources management Built to order on a given period of time
Drawbacks of Heijunka
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Spec Sheets 
