Fixed Repeating Schedule

Fixed repeating schedule is a key element of the Toyota Production System and lean manufacturing. As its name suggests it is a production schedule which is 'unchanging' and repeated perhaps daily or over a longer period such as a two weeks or month. If it can be implemented then economies of repetition start to become evident and suppliers and customers can be assured in their own activity scheduling. What impedes this being implemented is the uncertainty of demand and supply. Therefore whilst the scheduling becomes simple; the activities to make the scheduling possible become more complex. Thus the planning to move to FRS surfaces issues which if managed correctly will reduce complexity overall and improve customer service.