Abstract
Pull systems focusing on throughput time control and applicable in situations with high variety and customisation are scarce. This paper compares three unit-based pull systems that can cope with such situations: POLCA, CONWIP and m-CONWIP. These systems control the shop floor throughput time of orders by limiting the number of orders on the shop floor. However, their effectiveness in terms of reducing total throughput time is questioned. Theory states that an improvement in the average total throughput time will be due to the workload balancing capability of a pull system, but that many pull systems lack this capability. This paper shows that this workload balancing capability exists for POLCA and m-CONWIP, but not for CONWIP. The magnitude of the effect differs strongly, depending on the configuration of the system, the order arrival pattern and the variability of the processing time of the orders.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
