A Simulation Optimization Approach for Managing Product Transitions in Multistage Production Lines

We explore the problem of managing releases into a multistage production system transitioning from producing a mature product in high volume to a new one whose production process is initially unreliable but improves as experience is accumulated. We use simulation optimization to develop solutions and examine the impact of learning at a single machine on the rest of the system. This work lays the foundation for studying product transitions using realistic fab scale simulation models.