Modeling and Analysis of Manufacturing Systems with Multiple-Loop Structures

Kanban and Constant Work-In-Process (CONWIP) control methods are designed to impose tight controls over inventory, while providing a satisfactory production rate. This paper generalizes systems with kanban or CONWIP control as assembly/disassembly networks with multiple-loop structures. We present a...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Zhang, Zhenyu, Gershwin, Stanley B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: 2005
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/29836
Description
Summary:Kanban and Constant Work-In-Process (CONWIP) control methods are designed to impose tight controls over inventory, while providing a satisfactory production rate. This paper generalizes systems with kanban or CONWIP control as assembly/disassembly networks with multiple-loop structures. We present a stochastic mathematical model which integrates the information control flows into material flows. Graph theory is used to analyze the multiple-loop structures. An efficient analytical algorithm is developed for evaluating the expected production rate and inventory levels. The performance of the algorithm is reported in terms of accuracy, reliability and speed.