Throughput analysis of multi-device trip-based material handling systems operating under the modified-FCFS dispatching rule
提出一个分析模型，评估多设备行程式物料搬运系统在改进先到先服务规则下的性能，通过仿真验证，可用于快速评估不同布局和利用率下的系统吞吐量。
We present an analytic model to assess the performance of a trip-based material handling system with multiple devices dispatched according to the modified-first-come-first-served rule. A key element of the model is the analytic treatment of empty trips based on whether they are device- or station-initiated. The model is evaluated against simulation results using multiple layout configurations and devices at different levels of utilisation. In developing the analytic model, we also investigate the role and impact of device-initiated dispatching vs. station-initiated dispatching, and show results that shed light on conflicting views presented in the literature on this subject. The proposed analytic model can be used to rapidly evaluate alternative handling systems and to conduct various ‘what if’ analyses; it performs reasonably well across a range of systems that were tested via simulation. In evaluating the accuracy of the model, we introduce a unique and more effective technique based on the allocation of empty trips out of each station. In addition, we propose an approximate but simple method to check for system stability.