Performance of a Manufacturing Module with Moving Workers

We model a U-shaped manufacturing module that operates with fewer workers than machines. Workers move in order around the layout. A definition of the module’s rules of movement are presented. The throughput and expected average throughput time of this module, with and without buffers, are compared with those of a serial line with one stationary worker per machine. Simulation results indicate that movingworker modules can provide flexible capacity without the use of buffers. In unbuffered systems with high processing time variation the moving-worker module can have higher throughput than the stationary-worker system. Recommendations for the design of these modules are given.