Intended learning outcomes: Describe order-wise infinite loading. Identify the suitability of order-wise infinite loading.
Order-wise infinite loading loads the orders individually, order by order. The necessary planning measures are determined continuously, during, or after the loading of an order.
Order-wise infinite loading is necessary where there is little flexibility in terms of capacity and, at the same time, order due dates are inflexible. As Figure 14.2.1.2 showed, particular emphasis is placed on the new order. Planning takes place after loading of the entire order or after each operation. As soon as an overload occurs, it is important to check all the work centers concerned and take the steps outlined in Figure 14.2.3.2.
Order-wise infinite loading is extremely time consuming, especially if there are lots of operations or if starting with step 4b in Figure 14.2.3.2 (moving operations). It is possible that operations of other orders will also have to be moved. Capacity may even become saturated and thus inflexible, after a certain time. In this case, if the order due dates are inflexible, no further planning will be possible.
It thus follows that this type of planning is suitable only for firms with few and high value-added orders. One example is special machine construction in small or medium-sized firms.
Course section 14.2: Subsections and their intended learning outcomes
14.2 Infinite Loading
Intended learning outcomes: Present load profile calculation and problems associated with algorithms for load profile calculation. Explain methods of balancing capacity and load. Describe order-wise infinite loading.
14.2.1 Load Profile Calculation
Intended learning outcomes: Explain an example of a work-center-load profile. Present an example of a load profile known as an overload or underload curve along the time axis.
14.2.2 Problems Associated with Algorithms for Load Profile Calculation
Intended learning outcomes: Describe the problem of calculating capacity per load period. Explain the problem of load assignment for one operation during the load periods. Present the issue of calculating the load in a given time period when various operations occur only partly within the time period.
14.2.3 The Cumulative Load Profile
Intended learning outcomes: Describe the analysis of the load profile and the cumulative load profile.
14.2.3b Adapting Capacity to Load Rather Than Load Leveling
Intended learning outcomes: Explain possible strategies for capacity planning, in case of a trend toward persistent overload or underload, or in case of frequent and infrequent self-compensating fluctuations. Differentiate between adapting capacity to load and load leveling. Present an evaluation of the technique. Identify its limitations and typical areas of application.
14.2.4 Order-Wise Infinite Loading
Intended learning outcomes: Describe order-wise infinite loading. Identify the suitability of order-wise infinite loading.
