A simple formula for estimating throughput of serial production lines with variable processing times and limited buffer capacity

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Abstract
This paper develops an analytical formula for throughput (jobs per hour) of a serial production line with variable processing times and limited buffer capacity. For a line with identical workstations in series, throughput can be accurately estimated by a simple function of four parameters: mean and standard deviation of processing times, number of stations, and buffer size. Extensions of the formula to account for differences between stations are also presented. The formula allows line performance to be assessed quickly and easily with minimal data, and is useful in initial production system design.

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