A growing body of literature dealing with ConWip has been observed during the past decade. Considering the current industrial challenges characterized by adaptability, product customization, shortened lead times and customer satisfaction, ConWip appears to be an effective and adapted production control system for manufacturers. Given this context, this paper aims to update the previous literature review about ConWip that was made in 2003 and to provide an understanding key through an original classification method. This method allows the reader to distinguish papers that concentrate on ConWip sizing, ConWip performance, ConWip environment or on the comparison of ConWip with other PCS. It also provides a reading key about the research approach. Taking these criteria into account, this paper helps to answer the following questions: how can ConWip be implemented? How can ConWip be optimized? Why and when should ConWip be used? The paper then concludes with some research avenues.