A multi-dimensional classification of production systems for the design and selection of production planning and control systems

Abstract

A primary requirement for improved understanding of the management of production systems is an appropriate classification of such systems. This paper proposes a classification that facilitates a better understanding of real production systems. It combines all the essential features, e.g. the flow of materials with new classification perspectives with respect to response time, repetitiveness and work organization. As much previous work has influenced the approach proposed here, the paper also presents a review of relevant literature. The classification has four groups of characteristics, comprising eight dimensions of descriptors, encompassing 12 variables. Choosing or designing an appropriate production planning and control system (PPCS) is a difficult task due to the integrative character of the production planning and control area: it tends to interface with all functional areas of the enterprise. An important objective of the classification system proposed here is to provide a tool to assist in undertaking this difficult task. Real production systems are becoming more hybrid in order to be able to cope with change. We show that our classification can successfully deal with such systems.