Kanban-controlled exponential production lines: Analysis and design

Production systems can operate in either push or pull regime. The push-systems have been analyzed extensively for over 50 years, while the pull-systems have been studied to a much lesser extent. In this paper, in the framework of kanban-controlled pull-systems with exponential machines and finite buffers, we derive closed formulas for the performance metrics. In addition, system-theoretic properties of such systems are investigated, and methods for evaluating the smallest, i.e., lean, number of kanbans that ensure the desired level of customer service are developed.