Performance modeling of an integrated assembly system with automated inspection stations

The performance of a fully automated integrated assembly system consisting of a set of work stations, a set of inspection stations, a loading station and a unloading station, linked by a set of transporter stations (e.g. automated guided vehicles) is approximated in steady state. In this system, a fraction of the defective workpieces at each inspection station of each work station will be reprocessed at the same work station. For this purpose a mixed queueing network is developed and analyzed, and a methodology for controlling of the blocking of the system is presented such that the probability of finding either a work station or a transporter station blocked will be sufficiently close to zero. Furthermore, numerical results are provided and the approximation outcomes are compared against those from a simulation study.