Detection and use of processing times in a high variety environment

Managing an environment characterized by high variety is an incredibly challenging task. And since the current market is asking for more and more customers’ freedom in personalizing the product they want, the ability to operate under uncertain demand and produce exactly what the client requires can surely represent a success factor. In this regard, especially in the manufacturing industry, introducing a flexible system able to produce a high variety of products while keeping the cost at an adequate level needs great effort. This thesis project includes a case study of a manufacturer of customizable security doors. More precisely, the project aimed at streamlining production planning and control activities. As matter of fact, the latter resulted to be ineffective because of a lack in the production system time-related aspects. Thanks to a time-study conducted across specific departments, and the creation of a capacity tool, now the company has set the way to improve its operations and reach its vision of providing high-quality and individually tailored security doors with greater efficiency.