Simulation of Dynamic Resource Allocation Policies in Transfer Lines with Serial Duplicate Stations

Abstract

In automated transfer lines, stations with long cycle times are sometimes duplicated to achieve the required production rate. A job is processed in only one of these duplicate stations. Ideally the duplicate stations should be laid out in pa rallel to double the capacity of a single station. However, such factors as material handling costs, part sequencing considerations, and space limitations often prohibit the parallel layout. Performance of a transfer line with serial du plicate stations is significantly affected by the duplicate station allocation policy utilized. However, determination of the best policy is a complex problem and difficult to solve analyti cally. In this study, several resource allocation policies and their effects on the performance of automated transfer production lines with serial duplicate stations are investigated by simulation.