Parameters and sensitivity in workload control

The results provide a number of new insights. Due date performance appears to depend on only one of the intended pillars within WLC. The intended due date orientation of the order release sequence hardly contributes to performance, but is partly compensated by the control of shop floor throughput times. Paradoxically, the influence of the planned throughput time values and workload norms is shown to be limited, while the choice of the workload calculation method, release frequency and time limit appears critical. Either throughput time performance or due date performance is highly sensitive to each parameter. The results have important consequences for implementations of WLC concepts in practice and give rise to a change of focus in parameter setting.