The effect of lead time variation on the performance of disassembly release mechanisms

A recoverable product environment, which includes strategies to extend prod uct life, is an increasingly important method of waste prevention. A major part of this environment is the recoverable manufacturing system designed t o remanufacture products. The recoverable manufacturing system has three di stinct subsystems: disassembly, remanufacturing and reassembly. A key chara cteristic of this environment is the high degree of variability inherent in it. The impact of this variability as represented by highly variable lead times is examined for its effect on the control of parts release from the d isassembly area to the remanufacturing area. Various disassembly release me chanisms for releasing the parts are examined. The choice is shown to be mo re critical for serial number specific parts. Lead time variation is shown to have a significant affect on the choice of disassembly release mechanism . Successful mechanisms for controlling the release of materials from the d isassembly area are discussed and recommendations are made. (C) 1999 Elsevi er Science Ltd. All rights reserved.