Método de Cadena Crítica en la Gestión de Tiempos de Eaboración de Carrocerías

Abstract

This research project applies the critical chain method in the bodywork industry for the production of interprovincial buses. The work environment for this type of product reflects delivery times in days and the main resource is skilled labor. The initial analysis compares the characteristics of the bodywork business model with the make to order model in which a close relationship is observed between both, mainly because bus production only starts with an order and there is no finished product stock. The research proposes that the management of body construction times is carried out through the critical chain as a project management tool. A mixed environment between manufacturing and projects is identified, so tasks are classified as standard production operations and unique tasks per customer order, execution times are obtained and the critical path of the project is calculated, which results in 73 days. Subsequently, it is transformed from path to critical chain by considering resource conflicts and slack, the time reduction of project tasks is applied to 50% and is added as a project buffer, thus obtaining a delivery time of 64 days. The work breakdown structure, detailed schedule of activities, critical chain tasks are documented and the use of Exepron, project management software for dynamic buffer management, is proposed. The research evaluates a real project in which it is observed that the level of compliance with delivery dates goes from an average 103% in current management to 97% with a critical chain. Additionally, the simulated results show an average compliance of 96% with an average delivery time of 61,44 days.