Lead Time Dynamics

Authors

Cabezas, Maximo

Abstract

The general purpose of this research is to show that the loading period in the processing of a product in the production line is the key factor for customer satisfaction in terms of quality and shorter lead time. Customers are increasingly requesting varied products, with varied models and shorter lead time. The decision maker takes this demand into consideration by controlling only the loading and download periods of the line and considers that the loading time is minimal and is not a limiting factor for delivering the order in the scheduled time. The objective through the development of causal and flow scenario models is to demonstrate that this time does influence the delivery of orders to customers. For this purpose, the variables and constants and the cause-effect relationships for the optimization of the loading period are identified. This research was developed experimentally, identifying and providing concepts of variables such as: demand, product, production line, operational sequence, standard time, setup, lead time, system dynamics, causal diagram, flowchart and its formulation. The results obtained through simulations with production units of 40, 20 and less than 5 units with variable times allow to decrease production lead times by 8.3% and 7.3%, respectively.