A multi-state Markov approach for the evaluation of pasta production lines performance

In scientific literature there is lack of studies focused on performance measures ad hoc for pasta production systems. In order to design and planning a production line in the optimal way, it is necessary to develop specific measures aiming at evaluating the efficiency of a production system. In this study a multiproduct pasta production line characterized by single-server workstations is modelled as a Markov process in order to evaluate the performance of each state in which the line could operate and to investigate the effects of changing the line parameters. Machines can be plagued by lots of different losses affecting the performance efficiency of the whole system. The model has been validated with reference to a full scale case study and it has revealed a useful supporting tool in the performance analysis of a production system.