Definition
Production equalization processes that provide a balanced distribution of production in the Bottled Peak Valley, where production is two dimensions of the diversity that equalizes the needs of clients.
In detail
Heijunka (leveling) is a production planning method that smooths fluctuations in customer demand by balancing volume and mix, keeping production stable over a longer period. It addresses issues such as resource waste, inventory buildup, and unstable delivery caused by demand fluctuations. Unlike the kanban system, which is a pull signal at the execution level, heijunka is a scheduling strategy at the planning level. Its output is typically a leveled production plan that breaks orders into uniform daily volumes and mix, providing stable input to downstream processes.
Example in practice
Customer orders are concentrated at month-end. The team first checks whether payment deadlines and volume discounts stimulate concentrated ordering, then agrees on a replenishment rhythm with the customer and balances daily output and product mix. Small-lot mixed production may require more frequent changeovers, so first shorten changeover time and jointly verify inventory, quality, and delivery; reducing the number of changeovers must not be treated as a necessary outcome.