Competitiveness in the German industry, particularly in the capital and consumer goods sectors, is significantly dependent upon how well a company can adapt to market demands. Elements of such an adaptation process are the new development and modification of products, but equally the implementation of new or improved manufacturing technologies. In the parts manufacturing sector, which will be considered more closely in the following, changes to manufacturing programmes require new manufacturing structures. The question as to the integrity of the personnel and equipment structure planning thus arises. The following article will present a simulation-supported, heuristic procedure for the reciprocal adaptation of both planning areas.
