The structure of manufacturing systems: insights on the impact of variability

摘要

A classic issue in manufacturing strategy is position jog, that is, the appropriate structure for the manufacturing system. At its simplest, the choice is between a job shop and a flow line; but if the system has to produce a variety of differentproducts, then it also is necessary to decide on focus, the degree of specialization. While effective use of resources is essential, it also is necessary to consider the ability of the system to cope with variability and disturbances. Using a variety ofqueueing models of manufacturing systems, it is possible to get some useful insights into positioning and focus.