One of the probably lesser-known topics of the supply chain concerns the issue of queues, objects waiting to be processed in the workshop. Although queues are not a common topic, they represent 90 to 95% of the production lead time while only 5-10% corresponds to processing time. In addition, while the processing time is mostly constant from time to time, this does not happen to queues, causing large variations in production lead times and difficult management of delivery times.
Why is it important to manage tail variance?
The queues in production represent 90-95% of the total crossing time, in other words, they are 10 to 20 times larger than the total processing time. If you want to optimize production, improving productivity and reducing inefficiencies, you get more results by working first of all on that 90% characterized by queuing times. But above all it is important to manage the fluctuation of queues to tame the variance of lead times and be able to guarantee a high level of service at lower costs.
How to manage the variance of the tails?
Once we understand the importance of queues in production processes, how can we improve their management? Although they often seem to appear and disappear from time to time moving from one work center to another, in reality the queues move through precise laws. Being able to tame them with effective techniques and tools allows the company to reduce the overall variance of the production lead time by reducing, often by a lot, the level of warehouse and keeping the level of service provided high.
In the attached document you will learn how queues move within a complex production system and how it is possible to tame them in a simple and effective way. You will also see a case study with evidence of the effects and results on the entire supply chain operationally and financially.
Download and learn how to manage queues in production
Today you can download the document for free. By reading the document you will be able to:
- Understand the operation of queues and how they move within the production system;
- Know the techniques and systems to manage them in order to optimize the entire supply chain
- Learn about a real case of effective queue management in a complex production environment.