Design and analysis of reconfigurable layout systems

In this paper, we present a framework for determining the layout in a manufacturing environment characterized by constantly changing product volumes and mix. Much of the production equipment is assumed to be relatively light weight and therefore their location can be easily changed to suit the current production environment. The framework allows several alternate layouts to be developed and evaluated with respect to deterministic (material flow and machine relocation) criteria as well as stochastic (queuing) criteria. We present an open queuing network modeling approach to estimate performance measures of a given layout. It is assumed a layout and production data for a specified planning period of specified length are available. The production data takes into account, processing and handling set-up times as well as transfer and process batch size information of multiple products that flow through the system. Two sets of discrete material handling devices are used for inter-cell and intra- cell material transfer, respectively. Experimental results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the queuing network approach.