This paper presents a method for the measurement of the lead-time and work-in-process in manufacturing. The measurement was used in an organizational control process in manufacturing, in which the controlled variate was the order lead-time. This kind of control can be useful in manufacture strategies formulated to compete in TBC (time-based competition). We presented the method, who includes elements from the queuing theory, and concerns about simplifying complex manufacturing arrays, in order to facilitate the analysis. In order to test and refine the method, we studied a case in a footwear manufacture system. We collected data from orders and, by statistical techniques and computational simulation, describe how lead-time behaves, in a stochastic way. As the objective was not reached by the measurement, a managerial diagnosis was made, pointing up undesirable effects that addressed control actions. In order to verify the effectivity of the actions, we had new data collected and the measurement method was again applied. This time, the objective of lead-time was reached, showing that the actions were appropriate. Results of the case was analyzed, leading to conclusions and continuities cues.
Lead-time in manufacturing; Work-in-process in manufacturing; Stochastic processes in manufacturing; Arrays in manufacturing
