Benefits of Skill Chaining in Serial Production Lines with Cross-Trained Workers
通过串行生产线的简化模型，比较了两种交叉培训策略（樱桃采摘与技能链），发现技能链策略在应对拥堵时更稳健高效，对管理者制定培训与调度策略有参考价值。
To gain insight into the potential logistical benefits of worker cross-training and agile workforce policies, we study simple models of serial production systems with flexible servers operating under a constant work-in-process (CONWIP) release policy. Two important and interrelated issues are: (a) how to decide which skill(s) are strategically most desirable for workers to gain, and (b) how to coordinate these workers to respond dynamically to congestion. We address these by considering two cross-training strategies: a straightforward capacity-balancing approach, which we call cherry picking (CP), and an innovative overlapping zone strategy that we call skill chaining. Our comparison shows that skill-chaining strategies have the potential to be robust and efficient methods for implementing workforce agility in serial production lines.