A consideration on “Kanban” Method for Customized Items

— Effects of Production Conditions on Flow Time —

Abstract

In response to the increasing demand for differentiated products, the concept of “mass customization” has become more important in the manufacturing industry.

This study has reported about the application of Kanban method which is used to transmit information in Just-In-Time production system for correspondence to customized products. The analysis using the event-based simulation has revealed the effect of reducing flowtime which is relevant for inventory valuation, when the change of production plan has occurred in each of the traditional and suggested methods. And more, Effects of the number of processes and the plan change ratio has investigated to make the method applicable to various products or conditions.