Enhancing Labor Flexibility in Workload Control: The Development and Application of a Framework

This article delves into the integration of labor flexibility (LF) within Workload Control (WLC) in Make-to-Order (MTO) production settings. In a domain where existing literature offers limited guidance on data collection for optimizing LF, our study introduces the 'FlexiFlow' framework. This practical tool bridges this gap by enhancing operational efficiency and improving labor resource management and data acquisition in high-variety, low-volume MTO environments. We explore the interplay between WLC and LF through a systematic and narrative literature review. We explain effective data collection strategies, encompassing manual and digital methods, including Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). The FlexiFlow framework, articulated through four detailed tables, equips companies with the tools to manage LF effectively, offering practical implications for practitioners. This framework extends theoretical understanding and offers actionable insights, significantly enhancing operational adaptability and efficiency. FlexiFlow improved production efficiency and responsiveness by reducing lead times and improving labor resource allocation.