An evaluation of throughput time in closed loop operating systems

The purpose of this paper is to present a generalized and a special purpose method for the evaluation of throughput time. The general method presented represents a modification of Mason's Rule to a special case of flow evaluation encountered in production operations. The algorithm presented is for the special model wherein there is a single output and wherein all possible feedbacks are permissible. It is anticipated that the methods presented will aid greatly in the evaluation and understanding of throughput time. The methods should be equally applicable to normal manufacturing operations and to special major project type activities. Clearly the application of the methods is limited only by one's ability to establish the flow graph, the times for the operations and the yields for the various flows.