Discrete time model for two-machine one-buffer transfer lines with restart policy

The paper deals with analytical modeling of transfer lines consisting of two machines decoupled by one finite buffer. In particular, the case in which a control policy (referred as "restart policy") aiming to reduce the blocking frequency of the first machine is addressed. Such a policy consists of forcing the first machine to remain idle (it cannot process parts) each time the buffer gets full until it empties again. This specific behavior can be found in a number of industrial production systems, especially when some machines are affected by outage costs when stops occur. The two-machine one-buffer line is here modeled as a discrete time markov process and the two machines are characterized by the same production rate. The analytical solution of the model is obtained and mathematical expressions of the most important performance measures are provided. Some significant remarks about the effect of the proposed restart policy on the behavior of the system are also pointed out.