ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we focus on automated manufacturing systems composed of autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) as material handling devices and jobshop layout of machines. AGV carries raw materials through shops in batches. In each shop an inspection unit is configured (multi stage inspection). Considering the size of the batches and the defect rate, one type of inspection (sampling inspection or full inspection) is carried out. The number of defects in products is a random variable, which specifies the inspection policy. In general inspection incurs cost to our system. Machines in each shop are in parallel case. The reliability of machines follows a probability distribution. Shops are in series case. Hence, a composite (parallel–series) system is ensued. While the reliability of machines decreases, the numbers of defects in products increases and as a result it incurs more costs to the system. The aim is to control the number of defects in a way that satisfies both product assurance level, which is a consequence of inspection, and machines reliability lower limit, considering the available operational budgets.
