Dynamic analysis of inventory policies for improving manufacturing scheduling

Abstract

Many researchers cite the automotive industry to study the application of Lean Manufacturing in reducing waste and improving productivity. However, in practice, the use of Lean Manufacturing techniques has spread into other industrial and service sectors, such as health and food, because of the benefits that this practice can achieve. Furthermore, different studies demonstrate that Lean Manufacturing combined with others techniques, such as simulation, produces benefits that impact on the key performance indicators of a company. Thus, in this study we analyze the combination of a simulation approach as System Dynamics on Lean Manufacturing practice in order to improve procurement policies and reduce the inventory in a livestock feed company.