Comparison of Cost Aspects between CONWIP and “the Prototypical Lean Production System”

Abstract

This paper focuses on CONWIP, one of the production methods used when a shortage is not acceptable in case of fluctuating demands. CONWIP is used when priority is given to stabilizing the inventory quantity rather than the utilization rate of the production system. However, when using this method, inventory costs tend to increase due to the automatic progress to downstream processes. In response to this issue, this paper describes the effectiveness of “the prototypical lean production system” which is different with Toyota Production System, as well as the concept of choice between CONWIP and " the prototypical lean production system ".