Simulation experiments into inventory scheduling in multi-stage systems

Abstract

In the manufacture of most goods, production proceeds sequentially in stages extending from raw material acquisition through final assembly. The proper timing and sizing of inventories is crucial at all stages if the final goods are to be completed on schedule. If each stage is treated independently, inadequate policies will invariably be adopted for in this way no consideration will have been given to the interdependencies that exist between successive stages. This paper presents a report on a current research effort into the scheduling and control of inventories in multi-stage production systems. Simulation experiments are being conducted in a system producing multiple products at each stage of production. Several methods of determining the sizing and timing of lots are being implemented in the simulated system in an effort to determine the efficacy of each of the methods. Efficient scheduling techniques will ultimately be those that yield better links between the inventory items at successive production stages.