Stochastic modelling of a two-stage transfer-line production system with end buffer and random demand

Abstract

This paper examines the transient and steady-state characteristics of a two-stage transfer-line production system subject to inter-stage and end inspections and end buffer. The inter-stage and end inspections are instantaneous and the end buffer is of finite capacity, of size N. A stochastic model is developed to describe the system, and analytical expressions for the percentage utilization, idle time and blocked duration with arbitrary distributions of processing times at both stages of production, and the exponential supply and demand pattern have been obtained by using the state-space method and the regeneration point technique. A particular case is investigated and numerical results are worked out in detail.