Workshop

Effective planning tools for high-variety-low-volume production

This workshop will address planning issues faced by many high-variety-low-volume companies and the inadequacy of certain planning tools.

Production planning is a tough job for many manufacturing companies. Planning problems are revealed in low delivery reliability, long and unpredictable lead times and a lot of chaos on the shop floor.

This workshop presents the best ways out and explains how the different solutions should be combined for optimal results. The event focuses on simple solutions that can also be implemented at SMEs.

We will address the link between production, planning and control, while the different planning systems and underlying principles are also discussed. Participants are challenged to analyse their own situation critically and to systematically seek improvements.

The following topics will be discussed:

Balancing demand and capacity
The best planning to achieve desired delivery reliability
Dealing with 'rush orders' without disrupting overall production
Limitations of planning tools
Control on the shop floor
Lead time reduction on the shop floor

Why participate?

You will gain insights into the issues of planning in a high-variety-low-volume environment and ways you can address these issues. This workshop will enable you to create your own improvement plan for your business.

Working method

Besides the required theory and discussion of case studies, ample time will be provided for exercises and small games that highlight the power and efficacy of the different principles. There is also room for discussion.

Programme

9:30-9:50 Welcome and introduction - what are your planning challenges?
9:50-10:30 Why is planning so hard?
10:30-10:40 Coffee break
10:40-11:45 Solution 1: Strengthening the production system
11:45-13:00 Lunch
13:00-15:00 Solution 2: Simplifying planning complexity
15:00-15:10 Coffee break
15:10-17:00 Solution 3: Better and timely adjustments on the shop floor

Drinks and refreshments will be provided during presentations and discussion.

For whom?

This event is for planners, production managers, plant managers.

Caution! The number of participants is restricted to 16.

By whom?

Pascal Pollet, Principal Engineer Smart and Digital Factory

Price

The participation fee for this workshop is EUR 375 (ex. VAT) for companies based in Flanders, thanks to the support of VLAIO in the framework of the Industry Partnership. Participants from outside Flanders pay EUR 1245.

This workshop is organised in the framework of ‘Industriepartnerschap’.