The Drum-Buffer-Rope (DBR) Approach to Logistics

Abstract

Since 1970, a host of industries in the USA and Europe have lost their predominant position in manufacturing. Millions of jobs have been lost and many companies have disappeared or have shrunk dramatically. In 1970 the West lost its predominant position in smokestack industries like steel, brass, and textiles. In 1975 the consumer electrical industry recognized that they were losing the race when cheaper and better stereos, TVs, and microwave ovens flooded in from the Far East. In 1980 it was the automotive industry, and in 1985 it was the high- technology electronics industry. Now it seems as if the aerospace-defence industries will lose their leadership before 1990 in spite of governmental protection.

Oded Cohen has a Bachelor degree from the Technion, Israel Institute of Technology (IIT), Haifa, 1973, in Industrial and Production Engineering, and an M. Sc. in Operations Research, IIT, 1977. While studying for his master degree, he lectured in Data Processing and MIS for manufacturing. Since 1977 he has worked in MIS, Industrial Engineering, Production Management, Marketing, and Customer Service for several industrial companies. In 1982 he joined Creative Output and worked in implementing the OPT^® system in several locations all over the world and was associated with the establishment and management of a Creative Output office in the UK. In 1987 he joined the Avraham Y. Goldratt Institute. The Institute was established by Dr. E. Goldratt who recently developed the Theory of Constraints (TOC). Oded Cohen has been involved in implementing the Theory of Constraints in several organizations and he is currently in charge of the Institute’s activities in the UK and Southern Europe.