The main purpose of this paper is to introduce the reader to some characteristics of the Constant Work-In-Process (CONWIP) manufacturing system. Starting with basic principles of manufacturing like push and pull, an overview of the most common and significant production strategies and manufacturing systems is provided in order to allow a better understanding of the origins and properties of the CONWIP system. Being the focus of this paper, various aspects of CONWIP are discussed. Furthermore, by means of a simplified production order list, which is a CONWIP-based planning mechanism, the operating mode of CONWIP is demonstrated. Building upon this, a CONWIP implementation case study is presented by which aspects for conventional production planning are outlined.
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