Comparison between simple infinite loading and loading considering a workload status under uncertainty in job operation times

Two loading approaches are compared, concerning the problem of selection between infinite loading and finite loading, which has been one of the fundamental themes in operations management. One is a loading approach that considers a workload status in setting planned lead times for the jobs. The other is an approach that does not take the workload status into account. Performances by these two approaches under uncertainty in job operation times were examined through two simulation study phases: a loading phase and a sequencing and executing phase. Results obtained show the superiority of loading considering a workload status, and also suggest that the superiority would be lost in real-life situations, where many disturbances occur.