A simulation analysis of sequencing alternatives for JIT lines using kanbans

Some companies use JIT techniques to increase flexibility for meeting changing customer demand. However, producing more than one product may require longer processing times or more setup time as production shifts between models. Using a simulated JIT process, this research investigates the effects of sequencing production given various product mix combinations and various setup or processing time additions. The results indicate sequencing does improve output of the JIT process when a second product is added. However, given large increases in setup or processing times, the sequencing logic may break down and throughput time may still increase. The size of the added processing/setup time may result in a bottleneck and control the output of the entire process. Large increases in setup time have a more adverse effect on the process than equivalent increases in processing time.