Leveling of Schedules/Work Load

unknown

I was just curious as to how other companies are handling the leveling of work load on the shop floor. We are a custom shop, so we don't usually build to stock, but I believe we are going to start building to stock for a few parts that we are having trouble keeping up with demand on.

I think the master schedule option is going to be our best bet to smooth out the demand, but I was wondering if anyone else has any other suggestions. We are basically trying to avoid only building a few parts one week because the demand is low and then scrambling and running overtime the next week when demand is higher.

2011-10-27_CH-Stammtisch_2.pdf

unknown

Visual has two "poster children" for scheduling, both of whom achieved phenomenal results with scheduling, but used different methods. I suggest you contact both the company and the consultants who helped them. Both are very willing to help other Visual customers out.

1. Finite Scheduling. Company: L&H Industrial of Gillette, Wyoming www.lnh.net. Company contact, Mike Wandler, President; consultant, John McKee (jmckee@metrocast.net).

2. Easy Lean. Company: Graphicast of Jaffrey, NH, www.graphicast.com. Company Contact, Val Zanchuk; consultant, Synergy Resources, Mark Lilly (MLilly@SynergyResources.net)

The third factor--and may be just what you need without a major implementation--is Demand-Driven Material Resources Planning (DDMRP). This is the new standard in MRP, which combines the best of Master Scheduling (forecast), MRP, Lean/TPS, and DBR/TOC. You can use DDMRP and the R+ planning tool regardless of whether you run MRP or Easy Lean. The whole point is to take the volatility out of the parts supply. Learn more at demanddriventech.com/.../. Contact Chad Smith (CSmith@thoughtwarepeople.com)