Managing the job shop: simulating the effects of flexibility, order release mechanisms and sequencing rules

Abstract

Examines the relative effects of alternative approaches to dealing with the intractable problem of managing a job shop. The effect of routing flexibility, simple order release mechanisms based on aggregate shop load, and local job prioritizing rules are examined together. While the impact of each experimental parameter is found to be significant, the impact of flexibility greatly overshadows those of the other parameters. These results support further examination and more normative understanding of how flexibility and better production planning and control may best be used in various competitive situations.