Analyzing variability in continuous processes

We analyze the impact of variability on a continuous flow production process. To perform this analysis, we consider an n-stage, serial continuous process in which variability is introduced at each stage. We develop a continuous time model to capture the propagation of variability through the system and use this model to calculate the mean and the variance of the distribution of the output from this process. These results are then used to determine the optimal decisions for variability reduction when designing and operating these processes. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.