Starvation avoidance lot start agent (SALSA)
US7072731B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 4, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P90/80
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method are provided for monitoring work in process (“WIP”) in a manufacturing facility. The system and method utilize software objects to identify a bottleneck workstation and calculate a WIP value representing the amount of work approaching the bottleneck workstation. If it is determined that the WIP value for a bottleneck workstation is projected to fall below a control limit during the evaluation period, an additional amount of work is released into the manufacturing line. In this manner, new work is introduced to a bottleneck station in order to prevent bottleneck starvation. Various embodiments provide for multiple products and multiple bottleneck workstations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.