Quality control of an unreliable random FMS: with Bernoulli and CSP sampling

Abstract

This paper provides a set of recursive equations for computing the AOQ (average outgoing quality) of an unreliable random FMS (flexible manufacturing system). The FMS is described using Whitt's approximation to a network of GI/G/S queues. Relationships between the operating and quality manufacturing characteristics of the FMS are found. Numerical examples are provided and the impact of outgoing quality variability on location of inspection in an FMS is discussed. This latter topic is left for further research however.