Service Rate Optimization of Manufacturing Cell Based on Cost Models

Abstract

Since most traditional manufacturing cell design methods and some involved algorithms developed in the past few years always investigate the selection and arrangement of equipment during the design process, this paper describes a new methodology focusing on optimizing the service rates of the manufacturing cell under developing. At first, the expected cost model based on queuing theory of each process in a manufacturing cell is developed and then the optimal service rates of the equipment that make the cost the least could be obtained. Next, the designer can choose the facilities according to these parameters to configure a new manufacturing cell whose total expected cost is optimal. Finally, a numerical example is used to illustrate the advantage and validity of the new design method.