Optimal process targeting for multi-inputs, multi-stages and multi-characteristics production systems

In this paper, a process targeting model is developed for multi-stages, multi-inputs and multi-characteristics production systems. The model extends a previous single stage, multi-inputs and multi-characteristics production system to an n-stage flow line. Recursion and augmented matrix approaches were used to formulate the n-stage model. The optimal process targeting solution is based on minimising a Taguchi-type quadratic loss function across all production stages. A constrained version of the problem is considered in order to cover a wider class of real life industrial applications. The model is very useful especially for mixing-based processes, batch processes, and other multi-stage and multi-characteristic production processes. Finally, an illustrative example is provided.