Methodology for analyzing finite buffer tandem manufacturing systems with N-policy

We develop a methodology for the analysis of a finite buffer tandem manufacturing system where the machines follow N-policy. We model the system using open queuing networks. The throughput of the system is calculated using decomposition, isolation and expansion methodologies. The methodology is tested rigorously by using orthogonal arrays to design the experiments. A t-test is used to investigate the differences between the results of the methodology and their corresponding simulation results. The comparison shows that the methodology is robust and remarkably accurate over a wide range of parameters.