Unit load size as a function of the degree of overtaking

Journal article, 1995

In some assembly systems, the assembly objects (jobs) can overtake each other, i.e. get behind or ahead compared to the entry point sequence. In these systems, the materials supply of synchronous components, intended for a specific assembly object, can be a problem since these components have to be matched to the assembly objects. Such matching is usually achieved through sequencing buffers of materials or objects. This paper introduces a measurement of the "degree of overtaking" (denoted SQD), studied by means of a simulation model of systems differing from each other with regard to flow structure and materials buffer design. Results from these simulations, including the number of mismatches (NM) between objects and components, are presented. Based on these results, a model is proposed for calculating the economical package size for synchronous components.