A Model for a Series Processing System

Abstract

Many processing systems, such as manufacturing assembly lines, can be described as a series of discrete operations performed on discrete units being processed. To evaluate the effectiveness of operators in such systems or to determine the best way to improve their performance, it is necessary to have a performance measure that relates to total system effectiveness. Current techniques measure operator performance in terms of time and errors, but they provide little predictive ability as to the effects of these parameters. To relate time and yield measures to a single criterion of system performance, a method has been developed for evaluating operator effectiveness in a series processing system that processes discrete items in large quantities. By recognizing and dealing with the fact that rejects at the end of series process are more expensive than at the beginning of the process, statements are developed for measuring performance in terms of its actual effect on the system. Concepts and methods are presented for measuring total system performance, performance of any segment of the system, total performance of any operator, and the effects of time and accuracy on operator performance.