Generic POLCA: An assessment of the pool sequencing decision for job release

Abstract

We present a simulation study for assessing the impact of pool sequencing rules for job release in a make-to-order general flow shop under the Generic POLCA order release and materials flow control system. Four pool sequencing rules are tested when the workload released to the shop floor is measured: (1) in jobs; and (2) in processing time units. Performance results based on both, the ability to deliver jobs on time and to provide short delivery times, show that a capacity slack rule based on the corrected aggregate workload perform best.