On the meaning of ConWIP cards: an assessment by simulation

Thürer, M.; Fernandes, Nuno O.; Ziengs, N.; Stevenson, M.

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.11/6664

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Abstract(s)

The simplicity of Constant Work-In-Process (ConWIP) makes it one of the most widely adopted card-based production control solutions. Its simplicity, however, also limits the opportunities that are available to improve the concept. There are arguably only two major search directions: (i) to alter the meaning of cards away from controlling jobs; and (ii) to adopt alternative, more sophisticated backlog sequencing rules. In this study, we outline a simple, practical load-based ConWIP system that changes the meaning of cards. Rather than controlling the number of jobs, cards are associated with a certain amount of workload. Simulation results demonstrate the positive performance impact of limiting the total shop load. The Workload Control literature advocates the use of a corrected load measure as it better represents the direct load queuing at a station; but this worsens performance when compared to a shop load measure in the context of ConWIP.

Description

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of Industrial and Production Engineering on 13/02/2019, available online: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21681015.2019.1576784

Keywords

Order release Production control ConWIP (constant work-in-process)

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.11/6664

Citation

TÜRER, Matthias [et al.] (2019) - On the meaning of ConWIP cards:an assessment by simulation. Journal of Industrial and Production Engineering. ISSN 2168-1015. 36 (1). p. 49-58.