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A recursion model for cellular production/assembly systems

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Abstract

This article presents an efficient algorithm for applying the recursion modeling approach to describe the transient operation of cellular production/assembly systems that incorporate features such as finite buffers, job-shop routing, lot sequencing, and material handling. Tests evaluate the approximation method relative to number of machines at a station, capacity of input/output buffers, degree of balance among station processing times, and sequencing rule. Furthermore, the method is demonstrated in application to a hypothetical industrial setting that involves the assembly of electronic circuit cards in a facility composed of several cells. All tests indicate that the method gives accurate estimates of transient performance within reasonable runtime. In comparison with earlier recursion models, this research incorporates a number of new features (see list above), improves the accuracy of approximation, and facilitates implementation with a new, more efficient algorithm.

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Wang, L., Wilhelm, W.E. A recursion model for cellular production/assembly systems. Int J Flex Manuf Syst 4, 129–158 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01313697

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