Research Reports from the Department of Operations

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

1-1-1989

Abstract

This paper examines the integration of quality control and repair mechanisms in flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs), addressing the challenges posed by automation and process complexity. Leveraging advanced computer-aided quality control technologies such as computer vision and laser-based systems, the study explores inspection and repair processes within an Open Queueing Network (OQN) framework. Two primary repair strategies are analyzed: directing defective units to dedicated repair stations and conducting on-site repairs within manufacturing cells. Using GI/G/S queue models and Whitt’s queueing network approximations, the paper evaluates the impact of these strategies on average outgoing quality (AOQ) and operational performance. Key findings include explicit definitions of AOQs, operational parameters for R part types, and optimal allocation of inspection and repair capacities. Numerical analyses contrast the effectiveness of these strategies, offering insights into planning and operational optimization for unreliable manufacturing systems.

Keywords

Operations research, Flexible manufacturing systems, Quality control, Queuing theory, Production management, Reliability (Engineering), Manufacturing processes--Automation, Mathematical models

Publication Title

Technical Memorandums from the Department of Operations, School of Management, Case Western Reserve University

Issue

Technical memorandum no. 603

Rights

This work is in the public domain and may be freely downloaded for personal or academic use

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