Heijunka is a Lean method for reducing the unevenness in a production process and minimizing the chance of overburden. The term Heijunka comes from Japanese and literally means leveling. It can help you react to demand changes and utilize your capacity in the best possible way.

What is the benefit of heijunka?

The flexibility that Heijunka instills brings three benefits to manufacturing: Predictability – Happens when demand is level. Flexibility – Achieved by reducing changeover time. Stability – Averaging production volume and type over the long term.

What are the disadvantages of heijunka?

• Heijunka trades inventory or lead time for stability.
• Heijunka limits rapid adjustments.
• Heijunka requires industrial discipline.
• Heijunka can only handle moderate variations in demand.