Abstract: A multi-product series-parallel production system that is common in electro-mechanical product enterprises is considered. To increase the productivity and reduce the work in process (WIP), a dynamic kanban system is designed such that the products can be produced in an alternate way. The product mix is dynamically controlled by the dynamic Kanbans. Algorithm is presented to calculate the number of kanbans such that the number of products for different types can be dynamically changed according to “the demands”. Based on this approach, the “balance production of multi-products” can be realized and the number of WIP can be effectively controlled.

Key words: series-parallel production system, dynamic Kanban, alternate production