Demonstrating the Effects of Shop Flow Process Variability on the Air Force DepotLevel Reparable Item Pipeline

摘要

This study investigated the effects of reducing the mean processing time andvariability in the Shop Flow Segment of the Depot Level Reparable Item pipeline. The measure of interest was the average number of units in the pipeline of a particular type of item (referred to as the average pipeline contents). A literature review revealed that process variability in the pipeline has an impact on its effective operation and cost. A simulation model was developed to determine if reducing mean processing time and/or variability in the Shop Flow Segment would result in a reduction in the average pipeline contents. The pipeline model was based on an existing conceptual model developed in an earlier thesis study; a detailed and constrained model of the Shop Flow Segment was based on an existing model of the Fuel Control Overhaul and Test Unit. The simulation results clearly indicated that a reduction in the shop flow time would lead to a reduction in the average pipeline contents. However, initial results did not show a significant impact on average pipeline contents as a result of reducing variability. Further experimentation indicated that for some items under certain conditions, a reduction in variability would result in a reduction in average pipeline contents.... Computerized simulation, Depot level reparable item pipeline, Models, Process variability, Reparable items, Repair shops, Stochastic processes.