Scheduling mixed-model multi-level just-in-time production systems

Many companies are converting their mixed-model multi-level production systems to just-in-time systems. This requires reducing set-up times so that small-lot production can be run. In this paper a theoretical basis is developed for scheduling these systems, and scheduling algorithms and heuristics are developed. The only other known scheduling method (the goal-chasing method), developed and used by Toyota, is shown to be a special case of these heuristics.