Question: Given the data in Problem, solve the problem except that
(a) the proposal is to divide the line into three stages, that is, with two storage buffers located between stations 10 and 11 and between stations 20 and 21, respectively; and
(b) the proposal is to use an asynchronous line with large storage buffers between every pair of stations on the line, that is, a total of 14 storage buffers.
Problem: A 30-station transfer line has an ideal cycle time = 0.75 min, an average downtime Td =, 6.0 min, per line stop occurrence, and a station failure frequency p = 0.01 for all stations. A proposal has been submitted to locate a storage buffer between stations 15 and 16 to improve line efficiency. Using the upper-bound approach, determine:
(a) the current line efficiency and production rate and (
b) the maximum possible line efficiency and production rate that would result from installing the storage buffer.