A methodology for analyzing finite buffer tandem manufacturing systems with N-policy

We develop a methodology for the analysis of a finite buffer tandem manufac turing system where the machines follow N-policy. We model the system using open queuing networks. The throughput of the system is calculated using de composition, isolation and expansion methodologies. The methodology is test ed rigorously by using orthogonal arrays to design the experiments. A t-tes t is used to investigate the differences between the results of the methodo logy and their corresponding simulation results. The comparison shows that the methodology is robust and remarkably accurate over a wide range of para meters. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.