What process aims to reduce work-in-process inventory by ensuring parts arrive only when needed?

The process that focuses on reducing work-in-process inventory by ensuring that parts arrive only when they are needed is Just In Time (JIT) manufacturing. JIT aims to streamline production by minimizing inventory levels, thereby reducing costs associated with storage and excess work-in-progress. This method emphasizes efficiency in the production process and relies heavily on accurate scheduling and dependable suppliers.

In a JIT system, components are delivered exactly at the time they are required in the manufacturing process, which reduces waste and allows companies to respond more agilely to changes in demand. This approach not only cuts down on the physical space needed for inventory but also lowers the risk of overproduction and the obsolescence of inventory.

While Lean Manufacturing shares similar goals related to waste reduction and efficiency, it encompasses a broader range of principles and practices beyond just the timing of material arrivals. Material Requirement Planning, on the other hand, focuses on inventory control through scheduling and resource allocation, but it does not inherently prioritize the timing aspects as JIT does. Batch Processing refers to production methods that produce goods in groups and does not specifically address the timing of parts deliveries. Thus, Just In Time is the most accurate choice for the process described in the question.