The application of an open queueing network to the analysis of cycle time, variability, throughput, inventory and cost in the batch production system of a microelectronics manufacturer

This paper extends the work done in Fromm (1992) describing the relationships between throughput, cycle time, work-in-process (WIP) inventory, and cost at workcenters in a microelectronics plant. In this paper plants are modelled as open queueing networks. Of particular interest is the effect of variability in both the service time and the arrival process on these variables. The results are applied to a North American microelectronics manufacturer for the purpose of discovering areas where improvements can be made.