A product is made by activities performed sequentially through three work stations (WS#1, WS#2, WS#3).
At the beginning of the shift, WS#1 is supplied with all the raw materials it might need for the day. Ws#1 can therefor work continuously, beginning on the next item as soon as it finishes the current item. The time it takes to complete the activities in WS#1 is distributed uniformly, with a minimum time of 4 minutes and a maximum time of 6 minutes.
WS#2 begins the shift with nothing and can complete its activities only as WS#1 provides its work-in-progress. The time it takes to complete the activities in WS#2 is : 20% probability of 4 minutes; 50% probability of 5 minutes; and 30% probability of 6 minutes.
WS#3 begins the shift with nothing and can complete its activities only as WS#2 provides its work-in-progress. The time it takes to complete the activities in WS#3 is distributed normally with a mean of 5 minutes and a standard deviation of 1.8 minutes.
a) Construct a simulation in EXCEL for this production line. Determine the number of items that can be produced in an 8 hour shift. Run the simulation three times. How many items are produced for each simulation?
b) What is the total amount of idle time (waiting time) in WS#2 for the 8 hour shift?
C) What is the total amount idle time ( waiting time) in WS #3 for the 8 hour shift?