On optimal arrangement of stations in a tandem queueing system with blocking
Management Science
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In this paper, the behaviour of non-automated production lines in terms of their service time coefficients of variation is studied. Results from the simulation of such lines under their steady-state mode of operation with varied buffer storage sizes, number of stations, imbalance configurations and a range of coefficients of variation are presented. Extensive statistical analysis of the output shows that the best pattern (a bowl-shaped arrangement) gives simultaneously lower idle times and lower average buffer levels than those of a balanced line. Predictive formulae and design factor impacts on the endogenous variables are also presented.