WIP management and control based on just-in-time: model and information system development

Work-in-process (WIP) management is a big problem for manufacturing, especially for many kinds of products manufacturing. Firstly, the WIP control strategy, production control strategy (PCS) and the factors affecting normal producing of a discrete manufacturing enterprise are analyzed. Then, based on the production characteristics and present situation of the manufacturing enterprise in China, a task management model is proposed to minimize the WIP. This model is designed to describe and forecast the dynamic interaction and mutual effect between WIP and just-in-time (JIT). Thirdly, the whole application of the task management model is given through the example of a gear manufacturing enterprise in China. Meanwhile, the realization of electronic kanban and the computer information system of the task management model are also put forward. The fact proves that the model and the system can effectively manage the WIP.