Integrated quality, production logistics and maintenance analysis of multi-stage asynchronous manufacturing systems with degrading machines

Quality, maintenance and production control are fundamental functions for achieving desired production targets in multi-stage manufacturing systems. These aspects have been traditionally treated almost in isolation. However, a strong relation between equipment availability, product quality and system productivity do exist. This paper presents a general theory to analyze the production rate of conforming parts in manufacturing systems with progressively deteriorating machines and preventive maintenance. Results show that improved system performance can be achieved by a joint analysis and design of these functions, at system level. The industrial benefits are shown through application of the method to a real manufacturing context. (C) 2012 CIRP.