An approximation analysis for multistage production lines

In this paper, an efficient analytical approximation method is developed using decomposition for modeling and analyzing n-machine production lines with random processing times and interstage finite buffers. The results of the expected steady state throughput rate and expected steady state levels of buffers obtained using the analytical approximation method are compared with simulation results. The analytical approximation method works very efficiently and satisfactorily, giving results with an acceptable error level.