Date of Award

9-1991

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Richard I. Moore, PhD

Abstract

This research examined the capabilities of a new scheduling system, called DISASTER, based on the theory of constraints. Use of this system may be beneficial to the Department of Defense, particularly Air Force Logistics Command maintenance organizations. The research begins with a review of literature pertaining to manufacturing planning and control systems, including material requirements planning (MRP), manufacturing resource planning (MRP II), AFLC's Depot Maintenance Management Information System (DMMIS), just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing, and the theory of constraints (drum-buffer-rope scheduling) . The research then examined the logic and operation of the DISASTER system. Next, the research examined the implementation of DISASTER at a commercial printed circuit board manufacturer. The research indicates that a growing number of experts now believe that MRP systems do not provide adequate shop-floor scheduling and control. While AFLC's DMMIS will certainly be an improvement over the command's present method of operation (i.e., 1950s and 1960s vintage batch processing systems), this research suggests that other more recently developed alternatives, such as DISASTER, may be even more advantageous. Furthermore, the research indicates that AFLC should have all the necessary requirements for implementing DISASTER. The most significant obstacle appears to be the need for a significant change in management philosophy, based on the theory of constraints.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GLM-LSM-91S-56

DTIC Accession Number

ADA246758

Comments

The author's Vita page is omitted.

Presented to the Faculty of the School of Systems and Logistics of the Air Force Institute of Technology, Air University, in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science

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