A study on throughput time of multi-technology platforms

This paper discusses the impact on throughput time of substituting several stand-alone machines by a multi-technology platform. A characteristic threshold in terms of lot size and number of processes to machine the workpiece is derived mathematically. This threshold identifies regions in which either multiple stand-alone machines or a multi-technology platform will lead to shorter throughput times. The model shows that a reduction of interoperation and reconfiguration time is in particular desirable for small lots and simple parts, whereas a reduction of processing time is important for large lots and complex workpieces. Furthermore, the threshold is compared to part cost and productivity thresholds. It is concluded that a reduction of throughput time is easier to achieve than an increase of productivity through multi-technology platforms.