A framework and a simulation generator for kanban-controlled manufacturing systems

A generalized framework for the definition of kanban-controlled manufacturing systems and a simulation generator based on this framework are introduced in this paper. Kanbans are used between and within workstations to trigger product dow or production. The simulation generator is capable of modeling complex manufacturing systems with multiple parts, multiple work centers and multiple processes at each work center. Multiple process definition capability enables users to define convergent and divergent points in a manufacturing system. Several decision rules are defined and incorporated into the generator. The simulation generator can be used as a completely interactive tool that is data-driven and requires no programming skills. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd, All rights reserved.