Variable Takt Principle

Peter Bebersdorf first gained experience in the mixed-model assembly of highly customized busses and in the application of the lean philosophy through various management positions at Daimler Buses. At AGCO, he is Director Manufacturing of Fendt’s tractor production and developed the VarioTakt, one of the most successful applications of variable takt in combination with classic lean methods. The Fendt factory has been acknowledged by the World Economic Forum and McKinsey & Company as digital lighthouse factory for its ability to produce 10 models on a single assembly line. Peter is a graduate engineer (BA) in electrical engineering, holds an MBA and is completing his doctoral thesis at WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management.Arnd Huchzermeier is Chaired Professor in Production Management at WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management, Vallendar, Germany. Arnd taught at the Booth Graduate School of Business of the University of Chicago after earning his PhD from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is, among others, author of books on Industrial Excellence, Management Quality, Bottom-up Strategy Innovation, Supply Chain Finance and Blockchain/DLT. He regularly publishes in leading managerial and academic journals. In 1996, he co-founded with colleagues from INSEAD the Industrial Excellence Award which is presently supported by 15 Top Business Schools in 12 European countries.

• Chapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. Basics on takt and flow - derivations from practice.- Chapter 3. Heijunka - fast as a tortoise.- Chapter 4. Variable Takt.- Chapter 5. Takt time groups at variable takt.- Chapter 6. Design-for-Tact and the ideal flow assembly.- Chapter 7. Mastering variance in assemblies - The Fendt assembly system and matrix assembly.- Chapter 8. Advanced concepts in automotive manufacturing to master variance in assemblies.- Chapter 9. Summary and outlook.