A Simulation-Based Approach for Production Lead-Time Analysis in Leather Processing: A Case Study at Nakara, Namibia

Purpose: A study was conducted to analyze production lead time challenges in the leather processing industry by use of simulation techniques. Methodology: The study was able to successfully develop a simulation model that predicts the production lead time by using past data that was obtained from the case factory and using discrete event simulation method in Arena Software. A case study undertaken at a worldly recognized leather manufacturing factory in Namibia called Nakara proved that there are challenges faced when estimating the production lead time. Findings: The research highlighted the significance of leather manufacture’s ability to know their processing facility’s production lead time as it proved to be a huge boost in client attraction and degree of satisfaction. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Many leather manufacturing factories in the world experience high difficulties when estimating their production lead time, therefore the study contributes to theory, practice and policy by developing a simulation model for production lead-time estimation. Moreover, a good production lead time reflects an efficient and effective production system.