Performance evaluation for tandem multi-factory supply chains: An approximate solution

Abstract

Predicting the performance of multistage manufacturing systems is usually viewed as challenging because of unexpected machine breakdowns, random processing times, uncertain inter-factory transportation times, etc. In this paper, the authors formulate an approximate model for the tandem manufacturing systems, where the inventory in each buffer is monitored based on the (s, Q) discipline. This model divides a multistage system into a series of primitive line segments, each of which is characterised by a continuous time discrete state Markov process. The model may be applied in two types of systems: (1) tandem flow lines with batch processing and (2) multi-factory manufacturing supply chain, where inter-factory material transportation is required. Based on the model, a number of commonly used performance measures, including throughput, inventory, transportation frequency, etc., can be estimated. These estimates may enable manufacturers to evaluate the performance of the systems, and hence improve the management of production and inventory. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.