Backlog-sequencing: A comparison between workload control and ConWIP using a simulation approach

Order review and release research has brought several different release methods forward to improve the performance of a manufacturing system. Two of the most recognized methods are Workload Control (WLC) and Constant Work-in-Progress (ConWIP). Both depend on a backlog of not yet released orders which is organized in a pre-shop pool. Lately, the sequencing of the backlog has received increasing attention for both methods. Existing research shows the performance-increasing potential of capacity slack-based sequencing rules. This paper analyzes this potential by further developing some of the known rules and applying them to both WLC and ConWIP using a simulating approach.