Reducing flow between manufacturing cells: a sensitivity analysis

Abstract

We evaluate the sensitivity of cellular manufacturing performance to a reduction in intercell flow. Results from our simulation experiment indicate that the performance of cellular shops operating with lower run time variability, smaller batch sizes, longer setup times and larger reductions in setup times due to dedication, has a greater sensitivity to a reduction of intercell flow. In these scenarios, it would be easier to justify an investment in additional machines or specialized tooling required to reduce the level of intercell flow.