Analytical loading models in flexible manufacturing systems

It would be difficult to efficiently implement a manufacturing system without solving its design and operational problems. Based on this framework, a system configuration and tooling problem is modeled. The model turns out to be a large mixed integer linear program, so that some alternative optimal seeking and heuristic techniques are used to solve the model for constructing a flow line structured Flexible Manufacturing System. As a result, it may be possible to construct flexible, efficient, simple and easily controllable manufacturing systems. © 1993

General behavior of pull production systems: the allocation problems

The design of tandem production systems has been well studied in the literature with the primary focus being on how to improve their efficiency. Considering the large costs associated, a slight improvement in efficiency can lead to very significant savings over its life. Division of work and allocation of buffer capacities between workstations are two critical design problems that have attracted the attention of many researchers. In this study, first an understanding into how the system works is to be provided. Except for the integration of two allocation problems, the basic model utilized here is essentially the same as the previous studies. Theoretical results that characterize the dynamics of these systems may also provide some heuristic support in the analysis of large-scale pull production systems