Abstract: A method for determining the relative priority of assigned or available-to-be-assigned project tasks in a pre-defined project network and focusing improvements in task time estimates includes the steps of providing a computer system comprising a processor, a memory device and a user interface, utilizing the user interface to select a project that has a predefined project network, identifying all of the Critical Chain (CC) tasks, its corresponding Feeding Path tasks and any user defined Contractual Milestone path tasks of the selected project along the predefined project network, and identifying the amount of Allocated Time Buffer (ATB) assigned to each of the Critical Chain (CC) tasks, its corresponding Feeding Path tasks and any user defined Contractual Milestone Path tasks to account for variability in the time required to complete the Required Work Content (RWC) for each task of the selected project along the predefined project network.

Abstract: A method for determining an optimum buffer inventory size by generating a time-based demand pattern that is based on processing discreet demand data through a sliding time window and summing the demand quantity in that time window, and repeating that process as the time window then moves through the time-line of discrete demand, thereby establishing a pattern of cumulative demand in windows-of-time along a time-line. The process moves along the demand time-line from one demand point to the next demand point, summing up all of the demand in a window of time that corresponds to the Time-to-Reliably Replenish (TRR). The method plots each summation of demand for its corresponding window of time (TRR) on a time-line at a point in time coinciding with the first demand data element in each summation. The resulting buffer size is based on the conversion of discrete demand data into time-based demand patterns.

Abstract: A method for determining an optimum buffer inventory size by generating a time-based demand pattern that is based on processing discreet demand data through a sliding time window and summing the demand quantity in that time window, and repeating that process as the time window then moves through the time-line of discrete demand, thereby establishing a pattern of cumulative demand in windows-of-time along a time-line. The process moves along the demand time-line from one demand point to the next demand point, summing up all of the demand in a window of time that corresponds to the Time-to-Reliably Replenish (TRR). The method plots each summation of demand for its corresponding window of time (TRR) on a time-line at a point in time coinciding with the first demand data element in each summation. The resulting buffer size is based on the conversion of discrete demand data into time-based demand patterns.

Abstract: A method and system tor determining the relative priority of items moving in a predefined process flow, wherein the method comprises selecting a particular item that is in a predefined process flow, utilizing transaction data that was provided at regular Reporting Intervals and at Reporting Points, providing a planned movement of the selected item along the predefined process flow, processing the transaction data to determine the item's actual movement along the predefined process flow, determining the difference between the actual movement and the planned movement, providing a total planned Time Buffer for the movement of the item along the predefined process flow, using the determined difference to compute the actual amount of downstream Time Buffer Remaining in relation to the total planned Time Buffer, and utilizing the differences between actual and planned completions at both the Reporting Point and Item level to focus local improvements in relation to global outcomes.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for determining the capacity required to complete work during planned start and finished times. The first step entails providing a plurality of Resource Group Names, wherein each Resource Group Name (RGN) represents a particular Work Center (WC) having predetermined resources associated therewith. The predetermined resources include equipment, operators, set-up person(s), fixtures and tooling.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the relative priority of in-process work and focusing process improvements wherein the method comprises selecting a particular item that is in a predefined process flow, utilizing transaction data that was provided at regular Reporting Intervals and at Reporting Points and which relates to the particular item and its movement through the predefined process flow, providing a planned movement of the selected item along the predefined process flow, processing the transaction data to determine the selected item's actual movement along the predefined process flow and comparing the actual movement to the planned movement, determining the difference between the actual movement and the planned movement, providing a total planned Time Buffer for the movement of the selected item along the predefined process flow, using the determined difference to compute the actual amount of downstream Time Buffer Remaining in relation to the total planned Time Buffer, comparing the actual amount o