This book comprehensively encapsulates for the first time the fundamentals of modeling Logistic Operating Curves for production and storage processes including how they can be derived and calculated based on standard operating data. In doing so, the authors clearly demonstrate the mutual dependencies between the often contradictory logistic objectives, i.e. on the one hand low throughput times and high delivery reliability and on the other hand low WIP levels and high rates of utilization. Moreover, they also explain how these objectives can be improved using the Logistic Operating Curve Theory and why this method thus provides an interesting alternative to simulations. Logistic Operating Curves open up the frequently hidden potential of the throughput time and WIP without requiring excessive restructuring or capital expenditures. Through numerous industry based examples this well structured book first provides a thorough introduction to the essentials of the Logistic Operating Curve Theory including the Nine Basic Laws of Production Logistics. Based on this knowledge a variety of useful tools and practical applications are presented and discussed. Finally using the Excel-based program provided on the accompanying CD-ROM, the reader can then calculate various Production, Storage and Scheduling Operating Curves using their own data. The Fundamentals of Production Logistics is thus a theoretical substantiated but practice oriented guideline for improving a production company's logistic quality.

Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Peter Nyhuis, born in 1957, studied mechanical engineering at the Leibniz University of Hannover, Germany. He completed his PhD at the university's Institute of Production Systems and Logistics (IFA) in 1991 and his habilitation there in the field of production logistics in 1999. In the same year, he began working as a project manager and partner at Siemens SPLS Supply Chain Consulting in Munich. Since 2003, he has been appointed both as a professor for Production Systems, Logistics and Work Sciences as well as the director of the Institute of Production Systems and Logistics at the Leibniz University of Hannover. Since 2008 he is a managing partner of the Institute for Integrated Production Hannover (IPH). Professor Nyhuis is the author of numerous book contributions and articles on manufacturing and production planning and control, Logistic Operating Curves, shortening setup times and procurement logistics. Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. h.c. mult. Hans-Peter Wiendahl, born in 1938, studied mechanical engineering at the RWTH Aachen University, Germany. After studies at MIT and Cambridge, he completed his PhD in 1970 and his habilitation in 1972 at RWTH Aachen. Later he transferred over to the industry, heading first the Department for Planning and Quality at Sulzer Escher Wyss in Ravensburg and since 1975, their department of paper machinery design and technology. In 1979 he was appointed as a professor at the Leibniz University of Hannover and became the director of the university's Institute of Production Systems and Logistics (IFA). He led the institute until 2003. From 1988 to 1992 Professor Wiendahl was also the vice-president of the Leibniz University of Hannover. From 1988 to 2007 he was a managing partner of the Institute for Integrated Production Hannover (IPH). Professor Wiendahl is the author and editor of numerous articles and books including "Load-Oriented Manufacturing Control" (published in English also by Springer).