Production Systems Engineering, 1st ed. 2009

Production Systems Engineering (PSE) is an emerging branch of Engineering intended to uncover fundamental principles of production systems and utilize them for analysis, continuous improvement, and design. This volume is the first ever textbook devoted exclusively to PSE. It is intended for senior undergraduate and first year graduate students interested in manufacturing. The development is first principle-based rather than recipe-based. The only prerequisite is elementary Probability Theory; however, all necessary probability facts are reviewed in an introductory chapter. Using a system-theoretic approach, this textbook provides analytical solutions for the following problems: mathematical modeling of production systems, performance analysis, constrained improvability, bottleneck identification and elimination, lean buffer design, product quality, customer demand satisfaction, transient behavior, and system-theoretic properties. Numerous case studies are presented. In addition, the so-called PSE Toolbox, which implements the algorithms developed, is described. The volume includes numerous case studies and problems for homework assignment.

Describes methods for mathematical modeling of production systems

Provides techniques for designing continuous improvement projects with predictable results

Offers quantitative methods for selecting lean buffering

Offers measurement-based techniques for identifying bottleneck machines and bottleneck buffers

Addresses the issue of product quality

Describes methods for analysis of transient behavior of production lines

Offers techniques for measurement-based management of production systems

Describes a software package, the PSE Toolbox, which implements algorithms developed

Includes numerous case studies, which illustrate the topics considered and, on occasion, serve as problems for homework assignments