Finding the optimal production control policy using the production control framework

The production control policy affects the performance of a manufacturing system. Evaluating a production control policy usually requires simulation modeling due to the complex interactions that occur. This paper introduces a technique that optimizes production control of single product flow shops under hybrid production control by using the production control framework. This simulation modeling template is designed to explore the production control domain. The paper demonstrates how this template can be used in conjunction with existing simulation optimization software to find an optimal production control policy. The decision variables are location of the push-pull interface and the number of kanbans at each workstation. The objectives include improving customer service and reducing work-in-process inventory.