Problems

Why are manufacturing systems models built and for what purposes are these models used?

A system is composed of eight independent subsystems. Each subsystem operates $95$ percent of the time. What is the probability that all the subsystems are operating at any random point in time.

Explain why the basic law of reliability implies that complex systems will be hard to maintain.

For each of the following environments suggest and appropriate layout type.

a$.$ A machine shop that receives job orders for custom dies and fixtures from local manufacturers.

b$.$ An automobile body press shop that manufactures body parts for $1000$ automobiles per day.

c$.$ A manufacturing plant that assembles electronic controls such as thermostats used in homes and household appliances.

d$.$ A manufacturing plant that produces several different types of parts such as gears, rods, and the boxes in moderately high volume. Each part has several similar versions for sale.

e$.$ A plant that assembles packs, and ships several thousand computer terminals of three different models daily.

A plant keeps five days' worth of production in inventory. Suppose it is possible to increase production by $20$ percent if the inventory level is doubled. What effect will this have on throughput time?