Control Policy for Production Capacity Modulation with Waiting-Time-Constrained Work in Process

This chapter explores the complex challenge of enhancing production efficiency and sustainability in manufacturing systems with perishable work in process. It introduces a novel control policy designed to modulate production capacity by strategically activating and deactivating machines based on buffer levels and machine states. The policy is particularly relevant for systems involving parallel machines and perishable materials, where reducing waiting times and scrap is crucial. The chapter delves into the development of a semi-Markov model to evaluate the performance of the proposed control policy, offering a comprehensive framework for analyzing the dynamics and impact of the control strategy. Additionally, the chapter includes a case study from the semiconductor manufacturing sector, demonstrating the practical application and benefits of the control policy. The results show significant improvements in both quality yield and throughput of good parts, highlighting the potential of the proposed approach in optimizing production systems.