Response surface methodology based simulation optimization of a CONWIP controlled dual resource constrained system

We propose an optimal worker flexibility policy for a CONWIP (constant work-in-process) controlled dual resource constrained (DRC) system. A critical issue in DRC systems is the dynamic assignment of workers to the workstations. The proposed worker flexibility policy is designed to evaluate the state of the system at periodic time intervals so that the dynamic assignment of workers to the workstations can be made in an efficient manner. By integrating the response surface methodology (RSM) with simulation, this study provides an approach for optimizing worker transfer decisions. The RSM-based simulation optimization approach adopted in this study provides an effective and robust procedure to determine the optimum level of this decision variable under the given operating conditions.