Abstract—This paper is to demonstrate the adoption of the Part and Information Flow Chart (PIFC) to establish PULL/Just-In Time (JIT) System at an automotive industry for a model component in Heat Treatment and machining line. PIFC is one of the lean tools, also known as Material and Information Flow Chart (MIFC) or Value Stream Mapping (VSM). It is widely used as a framework for systematic and structured improvement activities in JIT implementation. In addition, PIFC is a versatile tool to scrutinize in detail relationships between materials and information flows from the beginning until the end of any process. The PIFC used is a means to map how the materials and information is been delivered along the system, in visualizing the studied area. Findings show that PIFC is an effective tool in identifying wastes (Muda) and source of the waste, areas for improvement as well as appropriate tools for Kaizen activities.

Index Terms—Kaizen, Muda, PIFC, PULL System/JIT, TPS

Cite: Anusha L, H Ramakrishna, and Sadashiva Baligar, "Part and Information Flow Chart (PIFC) Mapping for Establishing Pull System in Heat Treatment and Machining Line," International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Research, Vol.2 No.3, pp. 357-364, July 2013.