Design of a performance repetitive manufacturing system

Max-plus algebra is applied to the modelling of flexible manufacturing systems with mutual exclusion interactions of processes. The method based on this algebra provides a framework for building an executable, performance-oriented model of sequential and repetitive processes where each set of activities is performed repetitively in a fixed sequence that specifies product routing through machines. A new concept of a virtual process as well as the conditions sufficient for a stability margin computation are introduced. An example illustrating the method is presented.