A two phase procedure for the study of computer network reliability in automated manufacturing systems

Abstract This paper presents a simple procedure for the study of unreliable networks in production systems. An automated manufacturing system requires a network support for its stations in specific topological forms. However, the analysis presented in this study is topology independent. It reveals that, in most cases, the incremental cost due to failure of any component in the network will justify addition of standby units. The manufacturing facilities are assumed to be failure free and therefore, excluded from the analysis. A case study is presented to illustrate the importance of reliability analysis during the design phase.