On using continuous flow lines to model discrete production lines

Abstract

We extend previous research on the use of models ofcontinuous tandem (CT) lines for performance analysis ofdiscrete tandem (DT) production lines. We formalize the translation of input parameters from the DT line to the CT model, as well as the translation of performance measures (PMs) obtained from the CT model back to the DT line. We show that although the CT model conceptually represents a line with continuous fluid, it can be represented as a generalized semi-Markov process (GSMP). This representation leads to a simple and concise simulation algorithm for a CT model. We investigate the accuracy of the CT model for prediction of PMs in the DT line, and show that, with proper translation of parameters and PMs, the CT model provides reasonable estimates for the DT line PMs. We provide preliminary results on gradient estimation for CT models via infinitestimal perturbation analysis. The aim of the paper is to provide a firm foundation for the future exploration of CT models as a means to parameter optimization for DT lines.