Improving the performance of job shop manufacturing with demand-pull production control by reducing set-up/processing time variability

This study was aimed at investigating the effects of reducing set-up/processing time variability on the production performance of a job shop environment with demand-pull production control. Simulation was employed as the modelling tool. It was found that reducing processing time variability is more effective for a cellular layout than for a functional layout where parts are transported and processed piece by piece within cells. On the other hand, reducing set-up time variability should be given a higher priority for a functional layout or a cellular layout where parts are moved by batches within cells. In addition, set-up or processing time variability hardly affected the selection of appropriate configuration of a job shop with demand-pull production control.