Average flow time estimation of jobs in a Flexible Manufacturing Cell consisting of a number of identical machines

This paper concerns the estimation of flow times of jobs to be produced in a Flexible Manufacturing Cell (FMC) consisting of a number of identical machines. An analytical expression is derived from a careful analysis of the elements of the flow time. Next, a simulation study is performed which mimics reality and serves as a reference for the comparison with analytical results. As a conclusion, we argue that the analytical expression serves well to predict FMC flow time performance. Analytical predictions of flow times are important for investment decisions and for setting lead times of jobs.