Takt-time control in high-variety/low-volume production

This paper presents the results of an exploratory study of the application of takt-time control in a make-to-order (MTO) job shop producing high-variety/low-volume (HVLV) products. From lean production theory, we established necessary conditions for the applicability of takt-time control in MTO production environments. We then developed from theory, a procedure and a visual tool for the planning and control of work-release at the machining workstation in a case company. The proposed method, still in an early development stage, will address the academic and industrial need for a solution that can enable takt-based manufacturing of HVLV products.