Matching Batch Sizes to Machine Shop Capabilities: An Example in Production Scheduling

Abstract

A totally new approach to the setting of batch quantities and production lead times is described in which both are set together in relation to the work-load on the shop. The method is practical computationally and has application in many companies faced with a "repeat-order" situation. Simulation studies of a 75-machine job-shop are described in which use of the decision rules developed showed considerable improvement over the existing practice. The system is particularly applicable in situations where it is not feasible to use work-sequencing systems on individual machine groups, since it works by the control of inlet times only. Although the heuristic developed was tested using simulation methods all data are realistic and relate to the particular shop for which it was designed.