An Investigation of the Effects of Idle Time Coalescence in a Network of Independent Single Service Queues

摘要

By coalescing the occurrence of idleness due to the absence of work and the nonproductive task of work center preparation, or setup, it may be possible to reduce job flow time and in-process inventory in a job shop. To determine the effects of coalescence, a computer model is formulated that approximates the job shop with a network of ten independent single server queues. The model is simulated at three levels of utilization with three selection rules for coalescence tested within each utilization class. The queue discipline is first-come-first-served for all selection rules. Conclusions are that the effects of coalescence are significant with evidence indicating a reduction in flow time, waiting time, and in-process inventory. (Author)