Abstract
This paper discusses the development of a decision support tool based on the queuing theory which was linked to manufacturing cycle time information. With the use of this tool, the effects of product design to the capacity and manufacturing cycle time of an existing manufacturing system can be determined. The decision support tool enabled the product design team to develop products in a shorter lead time with reduced cost, while minimising redesign during the design development process. The tool has been applied to a local automotive industry and results from the study showed that the tool has been successful in analysing cycle time and utilisation of the existing manufacturing system. For a throughput of 44 parts/hour and batch size 80, results from the analysis show a utilisation rate of 98% and cycle time of 17.8 hours, for the production of mixed products that comprised parts with new and existing design.