During the 1980s various approaches to batch-type manufacturing environments were implemented. The most popular of these were MaterialRequirements Planning (MRP), ('JfOUP Technology (GT) and Just-In-Time (JIT). However few successful implementations of any of these approaches were achieved [1] [2] [3]. This paper compares the various approaches of GT, MRP, TIT along with the integrated approach...

The manufacturing enterprises are now experiencing high pressure of competition. In addition, the advancement in computer software, hardware, networks, information technologies and integration has been gradually reshaping the manufacturing companies by shifting from the industrial age to the information and knowledge era. Due to these elevated competitiveness and advanced computer technology, a...

This paper presents a Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization (DPSO) approach for the Multi-Level Lot-Sizing Problem (MLLP), which is an uncapacitated lot sizing problem dedicated to materials requirements planning (MRP) systems. The proposed DPSO approach is based on cost modification and uses PSO in its original form with continuous velocity equations. Each particle of the swarm is represented b...

Quick response manufacturing (QRM) is a relatively new concept that enfolds all the preceding approaches, namely, just in time (JIT), flexible manufacturing, agile and lean production. QRM compatible with existing materials requirement planning (MRP) systems can be implemented efficiently. The ideas from have been highly influential custom-made engineer-to-order make-to-order (ETO/MTO) high-mix...

A major problem in production planning is to determine when to release products into production to meet forecasted requirements. Recently, Riaño et al. (2002) proposed the Stochastic Production Planning (SPP) model for a multiperiod, multi-product system, where the lead time to produce a product may be random. The model determines release times for the products that ensure the requirements in e...