Job-shop operations reform: Strategies for achieving queueless work flow

Job-shop operations, the emerging norm of industry, require reform of the management methods employed to achieve cost control and efficiency. Maximisation of capacity utilisation, the standard of efficiency for more than a century, does not work in the job shop. Queueless work flow and the flexible labour policies that support it offer potential for reform which can substantially enhance customer service and quality. Simulation of work flow and capacity to identify bottlenecks along with scheduling of set-ups on a lead-time basis are potentially important supporting methodologies.