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Waiting line models serve as guide in the creation of several state-of-the-art systems in manufacturing, such as just-in-time (JIT) production system and cellular manufacturing. They can be utilized to assess the capacity needed in JIT so as to create a stable material flow in JIT manufacturing systems. Waiting line models are also used in measuring the amount of workforce needed in manufacturing systems.

The management of congestion in a manufacturing facility is important to avoid costly production delays that affect marketing and customer relations. Congestion can be solved by investing in automated scheduling systems. Its occurrence is determined by such determinants as the existence of effective cost accounting techniques, regulatory controls, pricing and customer queuing costs, among others.

The concept of computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) seen from various perspectives was discussed and analyzed. CIM design and implementation literature was reviewed to emphasize pertinent issues on the development of CIM in actual applications. CIM systems should be designed by examining different approaches and integration methodologies from every area that affects the efficiency of other areas in the system.

The just-in-time (JIT) inventory system is an essential component of many manufacturing systems. However, the system is not exempted from lot sizing problems. In order to solve these problems, a mathematical model which estimates the total system cost in a multi-stage JIT production system was developed. The model determines the relationship between the quality at source, work-in-process inventory and lot sizes.