**4. Research - characterization**

The research method was a computer simulation. Simplifications have been admitted, but without losing the replicability. The work method was: i) choice of manufacturing,

process mapping and data collection; ii) model construction by Petri Nets; iii) feeding the model with the initial situation of load in a production plan already executed, run and use the results to fit the model; iv) with the results, calculate the mean lead time of orders; and v) discussing and refining the method, analysis of the implications of its use in manufacturing management.
