The quasi-simultaneous finishing of work orders on a flexible automated manufacturing cell in a job shop

The introduction of flexible automated machine tools changes some of the characteristics of the production system in component manufacturing shops. Not only are machines made more universal by the use of flexible production automation, but it also is becoming more and more possible to change the set up of a machine without loss of productive hours. However, because of a limitation in the number of (often expensive) fixtures available per type of fixture, work orders are often finished more or less simultaneously, rather than in a sequential manner. This paper considers the logistic implications of these changes. In particular, the consequences of the quasi-simultaneous finishing of work orders for the throughput time will be analyzed. The paper shows that the work order lot size is a major factor in the determination of the throughput time per work order.