Service time distributions and the performance of a pull system: a simulation study

Abstract

The service times at a work station in a production system can be defined by one or more probability distributions. This paper reports the effect of different service time distributions on the performance of a pull system. Simulation has been used as a tool to investigate the performance of such a system. The measures of performance used in the study are the average machine utilization, waiting times of kanban and work-in-process, and output rate at different coefficients of variation of the service times. Conclusions are made and an indication of further research is given.

Notes

BHABA R. SARKER is an assistant professor (visiting) at the Department of Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He received a B.A. (Mathematic:.) from Dhaka University, a B.Sc.Engg. (Mechanical) from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Dhaka), an M.Tech. (IE&OR) from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, and M.S. (Eng. Admin.) and Engr. (IE) degrees from Syracuse University, and a Ph.D. degree from Texas A&M University. Dr Sarker has worked with the World Bank (Washington, DC), Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company (Bombay) and Jay Engineering Company (Calcutta). He has also taught at Bangladesh Management Development Centre (Dhaka), Centralia College (Washington State), The University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University. His teaching and research interests are in the area of production and manufacturing systems.