Product Generation Module: Automated Production Planning for optimized workload and increased efficiency in Matrix Production Systems

Abstract Ever increasing demand for individualized and customized products induce the need for high variability in production and manufacturing through Mass Customisation. Mass Customisation requires more flexibility and adaptability capabilities in production systems. Matrix Production is a tact free job-shop like production system enabling variable production routing through a matrix shaped layout of partially redundant machines. Hence, it is one way to increase a production system’s flexibility and adaptability. A more powerful production control system comes hand in hand with the evolution towards a tact free Matrix Production System. However, the additional degree of freedom due to the flexibility not only touches production control, but also production planning, thus enabling the production of portfolio external products. Implementation of a Product Generation Module optimizes the workload of Matrix Production Systems to increase their efficiency by assessing the suitability of co-production of portfolio external products. Generation of suitable production orders increase machine utilization without impeding the original multi-dimensional production goals. Thus, reaching new production strategies that include the creation of value through effective manipulation of minor products and byproducts. The flexibility of Matrix Production Systems acts as the Product Generation Modules enabler, insofar as flexibility is the ability of a system to perform within an acceptable production corridor without layout and planning adjustments. This can be enhanced by making use of the Matrix Production Systems adaptability to increase the set of portfolio external products through layout and planning adjustments. Hence, this strategy leads to a continuous automated planning phase and additional revenue due to the additional manufacture of minor products within a Matrix Production System. Doing so allows the Matrix Production System to react towards external demand related and internal capacity related events without sacrificing precious value creation opportunities.