Analysis of manufacturing systems via single-class, semi-open queuing networks

Abstract

Although semi-open queuing networks (SOQNs) more accurately represent many problems encountered in manufacturing and logistical applications, they have not been as widely studied as open or closed queuing networks. The SOQN is a more realistic model of a system in many instances because it includes the time a customer waits outside the system. In this paper, we provide solutions for various single-class, SOQN models assuming multiple servers and general interarrival and service time distributions. Experimental results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.

Keywords:

• semi-open queuing network
• performance measures
• heuristics

Acknowledgements

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. CMMI-9908437. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. The authors are grateful to Xiao Cai for performing numerous experiments reported in this paper.