Development of a Software Tool to Improve Performance of Packaging Operations through Short Interval Scheduling

Abstract

A manufacturer of precision extruded aluminum parts needed to improve productivity and scheduling in its packaging department. Because of the non-standard, irregular nature of the department's work, this market leader chose short interval scheduling (SIS) as the solution. However, in order for SIS to be effective, the company needed to create labour and material standards for the packaging process. Personnel from the Enterprise Systems Center (ESC) at Lehigh University collaborated with the company and, using a standard methodology for process analysis and change, created those standards. Information derived from the implementation of those standards permitted ESC personnel to develop a decision support tool that could more accurately calculate the cost of the packaging and shipping operation. This tool also provided the information necessary to effectively implement SIS. The theory of SIS is described, along with a brief summary of the pertinent literature. The current system is analysed and the desired performance improvements are identified. The development of the decision support tool, the results achieved through its usage, and final conclusions are reviewed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.