The Electronic Kanban System for Mixed-Model Assembly Based on Simulated Annealing Algorithm

After discussing the technology of electronic Kanban, simulation annealing algorithm is introduced to determine the number of Kanbans and lot sizes of part types under the environment of variant demand, stochastic processing times and different types of products. Also a newly developed Kanban system is presented to dynamically and timely adjust the number of Kanbans in order to offset the blocking and starvation caused by surging demands and stochastic processing times. A simulation model of Kanban system is built to verify the various performances of electronic Kanban and traditional one. At last the performance differences in order completion and average inventory level between the number-fixed Kanban system and the number-adjustable one are presented and verified.