Master Scheduling with Critical Chain1: A Remanufacturing Case Study

G.W. (Jerry) Bapst, CFPIM, CIRM;

Dan Walsh, Jonah’s Jonah, Vector Strategies; and

Wayne Corey, Jonah

MRPII 19

ABSTRACT

This paper and presentation discuss the application of Critical Chain methodology to

master scheduling for repair of complex military aircraft, a task considered by some to be a daunting challenge within even a sophisticated project management system.

The application of Critical Chain to master scheduling of other complex industrial sectors

would appear to offer similar benefits as appear in this case study in the remanufacturing sector.

Experience with this approach within less than a year suggests the potential to reduce repair cycle time by as much as 50% or more.

The history of the implementation and use of Critical Chain in this maintenance, repair and overhaul environment is described and observations drawn as they relate to using this approach for master scheduling.

The roles of training, software and Critical Chain methodology are described. Critical Chain may profoundly impact on standards, bills of material structures and routers when implemented and used with an MRP II/ERP solution.