Do JIT lines perform better than traditionally balanced lines?

Over the past decade, JIT approach for designing and operating lines has evolved to compete on time dimensions. Traditionally, the lines designed and operated using line balancing approach are considered optimal. Uses simulation methodology to compare each of these approaches under various levels of system variability and total inventory in the system. Shows that when system variability is low, the JIT line produces lower cycle time at almost all levels of total inventory in the system. However, when system variability is high the balanced line yields lower cycle time, especially at lower levels of inventory in the system.