A mathematical model for productivity rate of APSL segmented on sections with buffers of limited capacity

Abstract

Automated production lines with high productivity are represented the complex and expensive systems based on mechanical, electric and electronic units, while predicting the efficiency of the automated lines is an important analytical task. Calculating the productivity rate of the automated production serial line (APSL) segmented on sections with embedded buffers of limited capacity is a complex and crucial problem for manufacturers. The productivity rate of APSL with balanced technological processes depends on the reliability of mechanism, workstations, transport and other units. Balancing the machining time leads to an increase in the number of workstations and in productivity rate of APSL. It also leads to an increase in the failure rates and hence to deceasing in the productivity rate of the production line. Solution for enhancing productivity is presented in terms of segmenting of APSL into sections with embedded buffers. This paper represents an analytical solution for the productivity rate of APSL segmented on sections with embedded buffers of limited capacity. The mathematical model for the productivity rate of APSL is derived as a function of the technological parameters, the capacity of the buffers and the number of stations and sections with different failure rates and cycle times.