Indicators for quality improvability and bottleneck sequence in flexible manufacturing systems with batch production

In this paper we study product quality in flexible manufacturing systems with batch production using a Markov chain model. To improve the quality performance in such systems, the notions of quality improvability and bottleneck sequence are introduced. Indicators for identifying the quality improvability and bottleneck sequence, based on data measured on the factory floor rather than complicated calculations, are developed. A case study of improving quality at an automotive paint shop is introduced.