Which method is commonly used for reducing setup times in production planning?

Forming optimum sequences is a widely recognized method for reducing setup times in production planning. This approach focuses on arranging production orders in a sequence that minimizes the time and resources spent on transitioning from one production process to the next. By carefully analyzing the requirements and characteristics of different production runs, planners can reduce the frequency of setups that need to occur between different products, limiting downtime and maximizing efficiency.

When production orders are sequenced based on their similarities—like those that require the same machinery or those with similar operational parameters—the need for extensive adjustments and configuration changes is minimized. This streamlined process leads to significant reductions in setup time while also enhancing overall workflow efficiency in a manufacturing environment.

In contrast, executing a new planning run focuses more on recalibrating the entire planning process rather than specifically targeting setup time. Adjusting shifts in workforce can improve overall productivity but doesn't inherently address the time lost in setups. Increasing resource capacities enhances production volume but may not directly impact the time taken for setups between different production runs. Thus, forming optimum sequences stands out as the most effective method for specifically reducing setup times.