Estimating the output of a series production system

Abstract

This paper presents methodology which can be used to estimate the output of a production line with surge (in-process inventory or buffer stocks). This methodology is of use to those concerned with designing new production lines and modifying existing ones. The approach is specifically developed for unbalanced production lines but is applicable to the balanced line as well. A balanced production line is one where all machines operate at an identical rate. It is assumed that uptimes are exponentially distributed; however, the development is valid for general downtime distributions.