Comparing CONWIP, synchronized CONWIP, and Kanban in complex supply chains

Three types of JIT ordering systems used for supply chain management were quality tested, the Kanban, the original constant work-in-process (CONWIP), and a synchronized CONWIP. The synchronized CONWIP system is described for its ability to handle complicated supply chains, which consist of assembly stages with different lead times. In the system, orders for each process are released while adjusting the lead time of the subsequent process, and the released and processed orders are synchronized during the assembly stages. Practical questions, that is, which system is superior and which parameter affects superiority, were investigated for the three types of systems. r 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.