Managing sequence-dependent setup times - The target conflict between output rate, WIP and fluctuating throughput times for setup cycles

Abstract

Sequence-dependent setup times cause a trade-off between output rate, WIP and fluctuating throughput times. Companies usually face this trade-off by bundling similar orders in setup families without quantifying its impact on the logistic objectives. This paper presents a simple model to quantify the influence of setup-optimised sequencing on the output rate, WIP and throughput times. On the one hand, the aim is to create a deeper understanding for the consequences of setup-optimised sequencing. On the other hand, companies are enabled to actively manage and position in the trade-off between the conflicting targets.

Keywords:

• Job shop production
• sequence-dependent setup times
• sequencing
• manufacturing control
• setup-optimised sequencing

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft [German Research Foundation] under Grant 251996053.

Notes on contributors

Friederike Engehausen

Friederike Engehausen studied Industrial Engineering and Management with a focus on production technology at the University of Hannover. After having worked in Key Account Management at a large machine tool manufacturer, she started working as research associate at the Institute of Production Management and Technology at the Hamburg University of Technology in 2015. 

Hermann Lödding

Hermann Lödding studied Industrial Engineering and Management at the University of Kaiserslautern and completed a PhD in Engineering at the University of Hannover. From 2004 to 2009, he was working for Robert Bosch GmbH. Since 2009, he has been working as a professor for production management at the Hamburg University of Technology.