The application of an open queueing network to the analysis of cycle time, variability, throughput, inventory and cost in the batch production system of a microelectronics manufacturer

doi:10.1016/0925-5273(94)90170-8

International Journal of Production Economics

Volume 37, Issues 2–3, December 1994, Pages 189-203

https://doi.org/10.1016/0925-5273(94)90170-8 Get rights and content

Abstract

This paper extends the work done in Fromm (1992) describing the relationships between throughput, cycle time, work-in-process (WIP) inventory, and cost at workcenters in a microelectronics plant. In this paper plants are modelled as open queueing networks. Of particular interest is the effect of variability in both the service time and the arrival process on these variables. The results are applied to a North American microelectronics manufacturer for the purpose of discovering areas where improvements can be made.

References (5)

H. Fromm
Some remarks on cycle time, variability, zero inventories, and costs in microelectronics manufacturing lines
W. Whitt
The queueing network analyzer
Bell Systems Tech. J.
(1983)

There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (12)

A method for reducing inter-departure time variability in serial production lines
2009, International Journal of Production Economics
The inter-departure time variability is an important measure in production lines. Higher variability means added work-in-process and less predictability in output. It can be a primary obstacle towards achieving on-time delivery. The effects of line parameters (e.g., line length or buffer capacity) on inter-departure time variability have been studied in recent years but no method has been proposed for its reduction. In this paper, such a strategy is proposed and studied via simulation. Results indicate that significant reductions (of more than 20%) in inter-departure time variability can be achieved for as little as 0.5% increase in the mean inter-departure time or without any increase at all, for a majority of the line parameter values experimented. This was found to be the case for symmetrical (uniform) processing time distributions as well as for asymmetrical skewed (exponential) distributions. Similar results have also been obtained in the application of the proposed strategy for the case when one station has a higher variance than the others. Therefore, in situations where output predictability is more of a problem than capacity, this strategy constitutes an effective alternative.
Handbook Integral Logistics Management: Operations and Supply Chain Management Within and Across Companies: Sixth Edition
2022, Handbook Integral Logistics Management: Operations and Supply Chain Management Within and Across Companies: Sixth Edition
Integral logistics management: Operations and supply chain management within and across companies, fifth edition
2018, Integral Logistics Management: Operations and Supply Chain Management Within and Across Companies, Fifth Edition
Making unit cost in production process more accurate - the role of queueing
2018, International Journal of Engineering and Technology(UAE)
Throughput analysis of the overhaul line of a repair depot
2016, International Journal of Services and Operations Management
Throughput analysis of the overhaul line of a repair Depot
2016, International Journal of Services and Operations Management

View all citing articles on Scopus

View full text

The application of an open queueing network to the analysis of cycle time, variability, throughput, inventory and cost in the batch production system of a microelectronics manufacturer

Abstract

Some remarks on cycle time, variability, zero inventories, and costs in microelectronics manufacturing lines

The queueing network analyzer

Bell Systems Tech. J.