Manufacturing Planning and Control Group

A series of half-day interactive workshops - April and May 2012

This special interest group aims to provide a focus for companies interested in planning and control issues. The MPCG provides a forum to share common problems and hear about new approaches being developed in industry and academia. Unlike previous years where we have held informal lectures supported by company presented case-studies we have responded to requests for a more practical approach. To this end we have decided to run a series of interactive workshops which will enable attendees to consider real-world problems in game-play environment. Each of the workshops consider different operational aspects that adversely impact on the manufacturing business. Whilst each session stands alone in its own right, it is recommended that participants attend the entire series.

To maximise the learning opportunity attendance will be limited to 24 attendees for each session.

The Beer Game

The Beer Game is a simulation game to demonstrate a number of key principles of supply chain management. The game is played by teams in a competitive environment. The purpose of the game is to meet customer demand for cases of beer through a multi-stage supply chain with minimal expenditure on back orders and inventory. The Beer Game demonstrates:

1. How single parts in a system influence each other.
2. How individual thinking differs from systemic thinking (network thinking).
3. Potentials for systems optimization and the use of information systems.

The Inventory Game

The aim of the exercise is to provide participants with a simple inventory control assignment. The objective of the game is to make as much money as you can through buying and selling stock. The game is played in a competitive environment; however, unlike the Beer Game players within the team can share information to improve their team’s performance. There will be a lessons learned debriefing to conclude the session where the importance of the impact inventory has on cash. The Inventory management Game demonstrates:

1. Inventory management in a simple supply-chain
2. The effect of inventory on cash flow
3. How forecasting and data analysis data impact on financial viability

The Just in time game

Implemented correctly, JIT can improve an organisation’s return on investment, quality and efficiency. This final workshop will take the form of a hands on activity drawing on many of the themes demonstrated in the earlier workshops. The JIT Game demonstrates such concepts as:

1. How moving from batch to one-piece-flow improves customer satisfaction
2. How kanbans can be deployed in the production process
3. How quality can be built into the production process

Post Room Exercise

The post room exercise will explore whether the layout is efficient, are the company objectives being met, and what are the manning levels required to meet the objectives. The Managing Director recently walked around the Post Room and pointed out that the work seemed inefficient. The area appeared over-staffed with staff having to walk long distances to pick up various items. As with the previous sessions this exercise will be played in a competitive environment. There will be a lessons learned debriefing to conclude the session. This will allow you to apply the techniques that you have learnt in the workplace. The Post Room Game demonstrates:

1. That in reality there is often no there are no right answers.
2. How one change can affect another put of a system
3. The relationship between staff, scheduling and layout

If you require further information, please contact Ella Davey(erd30@cam.ac.uk or 01223 748263).

Tel: +44 (0)1223 766141
Fax: +44 (0)1223 464217
Email: ifm-events@eng.cam.ac.uk