Heijunka (Production Leveling)
Reference model
Heijunka helps to reduce waste and improve flow in production processes.
About this model
Heijunka is a Japanese term that means production leveling, which aims to produce goods at a steady rate to meet customer demand without excess inventory.
Originator not stated.
How to read it
- Look for patterns in demand to determine how to level production.
- Assess the impact of leveling on lead times and inventory levels.
What this does
Balances production by leveling the type and quantity of production over a specific period to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
When to use it
Use it when production demand is variable and you need to smooth out production rates to avoid overburdening resources.
Not when: Do not use it when demand is stable and predictable, as leveling may introduce unnecessary complexity.
What happens next
Consider implementing a Kanban system to manage inventory levels more effectively.
Golden thread
Builds on ←
- Demand analysis
- Capacity assessment
Feeds into →
- Production schedule
- Inventory plan
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Drafted with AI and reviewed by Eccellere on 04/11/2026. Guidance, not advice: apply your own judgement.