Metamodelling a just-in-time kanban system

This paper studies the feasibility of using the metamodelling technique for the performance analysis of a just-in-time manufacturing system. The data for the analysis are generated by a Siman simulation model. A regression metamodel following an R-IV fractional design is developed. Results show that, of the 15 variables considered, only assembly time, kanban capacity, and the interaction effect between demand and kanban capacity are statistically significant. The paper performs cross-validation. It finds the results of the metamodel developed to supplement the simulation model to be accurate.