Optimizing Leather Cutting Process in Make-to-Order Production to Increase Hide Utilization

Abstract

The growing trend of customization in the leather furniture industry has increased the need for many companies to switch from Make-To-Stock (MTS) to Make-To-Order (MTO) strategy. The shift to high-mix and low-volume presents new challenges for the production. This research presents concepts for the leather cutting process to increase the available calculation time for nesting and increase the selection for the nesting process, in order to maximize the hide utilization. The contribution to theory is a cutting process concept towards MTO in the leather industry.