An evolutionary-simulation approach for the optimization of multi-constant work-in-process strategy – A case study

This research addressed an evolutionary-simulation optimization approach in solving a multi-constant work-in-process (multi-CONWIP) pull strategy problem. A case study is adopted to illustrate the performance of the applied methodology. Both the single-loop CONWIP and the just-in-time (JIT) control strategies are a special case of the proposed multi-CONWIP strategy. Empirical results showed that the proposed multi-CONWIP strategy outperformed the single-loop CONWIP and JIT for the case study problem. In general, the proposed methodology was effective and robust for the proposed problem. However, computational complexity existed for some instances; and these computational efficiency problems are addressed as potential future research opportunities.