Due date assignment in a multistage job shop

In a Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) system, component lead times are generally assumed to be known and constant. Since a requirement of a MRP system is that components finish on time, slack is often built into component lead times to insure that actual job flowtimes equal planned job lead times. In this study, job characteristics and shop characteristics are investigated to determine which has a greater impact on predicting job flowtimes. This is accomplished by determining which characteristic most greatly influences the deviation of planned job lead times from actual job flowtimes. After identifying those factors which have the greatest influence on the job’s flowtime, due date assignment rules are developed. A simulation study is then made to determine which of the due date assignment rules perform best for varying product structures, as defined by various Bills of Materials (BOMs), and various shop conditions. Simulation test results are presented and discussed.