Deriving of Sequencing Strategies for Multi-Stage Productions Supported by Logistic Models and Software Tools

Abstract

Sequencing as a core task of production control has a significant influence on the logistical performance and efficiency of a single work system. Particularly in the presence of sequence dependent setup times, systematic sequencing can increase the productivity of a work system by saving them. This, however, leads to a decreasing schedule reliability of the work system, which creates an area of conflict. In recent years, mathematical models have been developed at the Institute of Production Systems and Logistics (IFA) that describe the influence of different sequencing rules on the schedule reliability and productivity of a work system. In a further step, these single so-called partial models can be linked with each other. This allows a calculation of the lateness behaviour of a multi-stage production in dependency of the sequencing rules assigned to the individual work system and thus of the overall sequencing strategy. This paper presents the possibilities of linking different logistic models in order to quantify the influence of sequencing on logistic target values as well as two software tools by which the impact and combination of various sequencing rules can be examined based on production feedback data or by means of a generic supply chain. As a result, it is possible to assess different sequence configurations of a multi-stage production and thus strategically align the production in the area of conflict between productivity and schedule reliability.