Dynamic analysis of the performance of a flexible manufacturing system: A real case application

In this paper we investigate an automated printed circuit board manufacturing plant. The goal of the study is to select the statistically significant variables and to determine the relative impact on system performance. In solving this problem, mathematical simulation tools and statistical interference are employed to construct appropriate regression models able to predict system behaviour when multiple variables are involved. Using the Response Surface Methodology, a near optimal solution for maximizing the productivity of the system in terms of manufacturing area layout is obtained. Copyright (C) 1996 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd