Batching decisions: Structure and models

Batching decisions are one of management’s instruments to impact performance of goods-flow systems. There is a vast body of literature on analysis and modeling of batching. This paper aims to provide a structure for batching decisions that can help in positioning batching research and models with respect to issues pertinent to goods-flow management. The basis of the structure is a distinction of batching issues as related to three decision levels: (i) process choice/design, (ii) activity planning (aggregate planning and activity programming), and (iii) activity control. Furthermore, the paper discusses some often heard criticisms of batching analysis. The paper concludes with a little speculation of the authors on the future directions of batching research.