Dynamic modeling of production networks of autonomous work systems with local capacity control

In this paper, a dynamic model is presented for production networks with a potentially large number of autonomous work systems, each having local capacity control. The model allows fundamental dynamic properties to be predicted using control-theoretic methods, together with the response of variables such as work-in-progress and lead-time for the network and its individual work systems. This is illustrated using industrial data. The behavior of one of the work systems in this network is analyzed further, and the results are compared with results obtained using a discrete event simulation model.