A regularly repeating sequence of production.
The sequence and cycle time is optimized for changeover loss and value.
Matched to business strategy, for example:
Short leadtime and highly responsive.
Low Cost.
The Product Wheel is run as a pull system.
Low volume products may not be made on every cycle.
Make to order and make to stock items can be intermixed.
Many businesses have successfully implemented Product Wheels.
On average, companies achieve a 15%+ improvement in efficiency by using Product Wheel sequencing.
The efficiency increase can be used in many ways to bring the benefit to the bottom line:
Capacity without investment.
Improved customer service.
Preventive maintenance.
Process improvement.
Reduced overtime.