Stochastic approximations for optimal buffer capacity of many-station production lines
by J.K. Cochran, A. Kokangul, T.A. Khaniyev
International Journal of Mathematics in Operational Research (IJMOR), Vol. 1, No. 1/2, 2009

Abstract: Probabilistic processing times, times between breakdowns and repair times make the amount of stock in buffers between stations in production lines behave as a stochastic process. Too much or too little buffer stock reduces system economy and efficiency, respectively. We obtain optimum buffer capacities and initial stock levels for production lines employing a mathematical random walk approach based on the maximum and minimum values of a stochastic process in a time window. Two approximations are developed, each useful under different risk-acceptance assumptions. Simulation results populate the equations. A motivating case study from a discrete part manufacturing line, including an example of using regression on the simulated results, is presented.

Online publication date: Sat, 31-Jan-2009

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Mathematics in Operational Research (IJMOR):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com