Batch Sizing Models for Flexible Manufacturing Cells

In this paper, we study the effect of batch sizes on performance of flexible manufacturing cells, where performance is evaluated in terms of flow-related measures such as part flow times, work-in-process levels, machine utilizations, and production rates. We introduce new analytical models that account for material handling, both discrete and continuous, and differentiate between process and transfer batches. The models are used to capture the tradeoffs that arise from batching decisions and characterize the optimal transfer and process batches. In particular, we investigate the impact of material handling and setup times on the size of the optimal process and transfer batches under varying operating conditions. We also evaluate the effect of smaller transfer batches on overall cell performance and determine the relationship between transfer batch size and the size of the optimal process batch. † The author's research is supported by the National Science Foundation under grant No. DMII-9309631 and the University of Minnesota Graduate School.