Autor: Stephan Keßler

This paper describes a process oriented method for the planning of versatile production as well as logistics systems. The authors demonstrate how the necessary structures, resources and management capacities can be calculated by using a simple six step planning procedure. Due to the numerous potential applications, the holistic approach as well as the relatively basic design it is possible to file planning results sorted. In doing so, factory designers can compare them easily with new challenges emerging. In combination with permanently available simulation models the process oriented planning procedure is a significant step towards permanent planning disposition.

In this paper we present a short summary of the empirical studie we conducted among German logistics service providers in order to derive the diffusion of methods of Lean Production Systems in this industry. The study sheds light on the extent of the latent application of some methods so as to evaluate the preconditions of the development of a „Lean Production System” for logistics service providers.

Lean Production-Systems (LPS) are widespread especially among the big automobile producers. LPS are company-specific configured systems which optimally coordinate technical, personal, and organisational methods. The implementation and maintenance (of elements) of an LPS requires a certain effort, but provides also many benefits. The effort-benefit relation especially for small and medium-sized enterprises is often not known. This paper allows in this context an overview of how to make this relation transparent as to production factors and size of enterprise.

The ideas of lean production for rationalization of the value-added processes, which were intensely discussed during the nineties of the last century, presently undergo a revival. In the course of this development the concept of Holistic Production Systems is praised by industry and science as an effective instrument for realizing a production focussing on added value and eliminating wastefulness. Because of this fact this article deals in-depth with the basics of setup and introduction of Holistic Production Systems. Furthermore the benefit of this concept for learning enterprises will be assessed.