Production management

Designing supply chains in a target-oriented manner is key for the success of any business. A great number of highly diverse interdependencies exist between the key processes which make up a company’s in-house supply chain (procurement, the pre-production stage, intermediate storage, the final production stage and dispatch). In doing so, the aim is to put the company in the best possible position with regard to the conflicting priorities of logistical target figures (e.g. capacity, stock, throughput time and adherence to delivery dates). The production management research group develops models and procedures which support the planning, monitoring and controlling of supply chains.

The focus of this research work is on basic research. This means that fundamental cause-effect relationships are identified and linked to new technologies. Another important aspect of this work is its support of small- and medium-sized companies. The research group works together with companies to develop descriptive models, integrated assessment models and decision models which are in keeping with these companies’ requirements.

Through industrial contract research projects, the production management research group supports companies in the areas of: layout planning, supply chain design, inventory dimensioning, PPS configuration, lean production and designing efficient production logistics. In addition to contract research projects, the group also offers training courses.

The aim of the courses which are organised by this research group is to provide students with a complete understanding of the links between both internal and external supply chains. A range of practical examples are used to clearly explain the latest technologies. Application-based exercises teach the students how to independently carry out various analyses. The Leuphana Learning Factory is used to help make students aware of the relevance of various subjects, e.g. digitisation and lean production. In doing so, students have the opportunity to identify problems, to uncover areas with potential for improvement, and to derive and directly implement measures in line with that which is required.