Blog
Insights on production scheduling, lean manufacturing, and manufacturing software from 35+ years of industry experience.
Independent Demand — Manufacturing Glossary
Learn what independent demand is, how it differs from dependent demand, a practical example, and why understanding demand types is essential for MRP and scheduling.
Jidoka: Automation with a Human Touch
Learn what Jidoka means in lean manufacturing — the principle of building quality into the process by stopping production when defects are detected.
Just-in-Time (JIT): Produce Only What Is Needed
Learn what Just-in-Time manufacturing means — a production strategy that minimizes inventory by producing only what is needed, when needed, in the quantity needed.
Kaizen: Small Daily Improvements, Big Results
Learn what Kaizen means in lean manufacturing — the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement through small, incremental changes made by every employee.
Kanban: Visual Signals That Control Production Flow
Learn what Kanban means in lean manufacturing — a visual pull system that controls production and inventory by signaling when to produce and move materials.
Lean Manufacturing: Eliminating Waste to Maximize Value
Learn what lean manufacturing means — a systematic approach to eliminating waste and maximizing customer value in production, originating from Toyota.
Lot-for-Lot — Manufacturing Glossary
Learn what lot-for-lot ordering is, how this MRP lot-sizing method works, a worked example comparing it to EOQ, and when manufacturers should use lot-for-lot planning.
Lot Sizing — Manufacturing Glossary
Learn what lot sizing is in MRP, the main lot-sizing methods compared, worked examples, and how lot-sizing rules affect inventory costs and production scheduling.
Material Requirements Planning (MRP) — Manufacturing Glossary
Learn what Material Requirements Planning (MRP) is, how MRP calculates material needs and timing, a step-by-step example, and why MRP is foundational for production scheduling.
Mixed-Model Production: Multiple Products on One Line
Learn what mixed-model production means in manufacturing — producing different product variants on the same line in a leveled sequence to reduce inventory and lead time.
Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP II) — Manufacturing Glossary
Learn what MRP II is, how it extends MRP with capacity and financial planning, a practical example, and how MRP II evolved into modern ERP systems.
Muda: The Seven Wastes of Lean Manufacturing
Learn what Muda means in lean manufacturing — the seven types of waste that consume resources without creating value, and how to systematically eliminate them.