A Case Study on the Aggregate Planning of Multi-product Small-batch Production Facilities: Focusing on System Dynamics Simulation Modeling

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to guide the operation managers who plan daily production of large mass-processing facility that services multi-customers with multi-product, small-batch item characteristics by providing the practical best production quantity and the inventory allowed to build.Methods: Close observation of a subcontract paint-shop operator captured the daily decision process which was reflected in the subcontractor-unique mathematical model and the system dynamics simulation model. Multiple simulations were run to find the practical best production quantity and the maximum allowable stock level of inventory that did not undermine the profit from practical best daily production. Actual data and a few constant values were obtained from the firm under study.Results: While the inventory holding cost for the customer-owned material harms the total profit of the subcontractor, the running cost of the processing facility hinders production in small batches. This balances the maximum possible productions and results in practical best daily production which can be found through simulation runs with actual data. The maximum level of stocked inventory is deduced from the practical best daily production.Conclusion: To build a large volume that enables economy-of-scale production, operators should deal with multi-product small-batch items from multiple customers. When the planned schedule of the time and amount of material in-flow tend not to be reliable, operators can find it practical to execute level production across the planning horizon instead of adjusting to day-to-day in-flow fluctuations.