Performance Optimization in Manufacturing Systems
Summary
Performance optimisation in manufacturing systems seeks to maximise throughput, minimise lead times and ensure resource efficiency across complex production networks. It encompasses mathematical modelling of serial and parallel production lines, advanced simulation techniques and metaheuristic algorithms to allocate buffers, service rates and labour. Recent advances in digital twins and Industry 4.0 integration have enabled real-time data-driven control, adaptive scheduling and predictive maintenance, thereby reducing downtime and energy consumption. This field addresses both economic and environmental performance by balancing throughput with energy efficiency and resilience in the face of machine failures or supply variability. Applications span mass production, high-mix low-volume assembly and modular manufacturing, reflecting its global importance for agile and sustainable industry.
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Performance Optimization in Manufacturing Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in performance optimization in manufacturing systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Throughput: The rate at which a manufacturing system produces finished goods over a specified time interval.
Buffer allocation: The distribution of intermediate storage capacity between machines to balance flow and reduce blocking or starvation.
Markov chain: A stochastic model describing transitions between discrete system states with memoryless probabilities.
Genetic algorithm: An evolutionary metaheuristic that iteratively evolves solution populations using selection, crossover and mutation.
Simulated annealing: A probabilistic optimisation technique that explores solution spaces by accepting worse moves with decreasing probability.
References
- A Markovian model of asynchronous multi-stage manufacturing lines fabricating discrete parts. Journal of Manufacturing Systems (2023).
- Simultaneous allocation of buffer capacities and service times in unreliable production lines. International Journal of Production Research (2023).
- A simulation-based approach to design an automated high-mix low-volume manufacturing system. Journal of Manufacturing Systems (2022).
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