Stable distributed scheduling policies for manufacturing systems

A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is a network of machines and other elements (e.g. bounded delays, multiplexers, demultiplexers) through which parts of different types with different processing needs flow. The authors analyze the stability properties of the clear a fraction (CAF), clear average oldest buffer (CAOB), and random part selection (RPS) (of which first-come first-serve (FCFS) is a special case) machine part servicing policies for isolated machines. The authors then establish the input-output properties of the isolated machine and the other network elements. Finally, the authors generate conditions under which the isolated machines and other network elements can be interconnected to form a stable FMS. In addition, the authors generate bounds on all buffers in a stable FMS