In this research, an exact and efficient heuristic-based solution methodology has been formulated, which covers three segments of the machine-loading problem, i.e., part-type sequence determination, operation allocation decision and reallocation of part-type in a flexible manufacturing environment. An iterative reallocation procedure has been devised to ensure minimum positive system unbalance and maximum throughput. The proposed heuristic aims to achieve these objectives in the presence of constraints posed by availability of machining time and tool slot in a given planning horizon. Computational results on test problems indicate the supremacy of proposed heuristic which shows a significant improvement over existing methods.
['Manoj Kumar Tiwari', 'J. Saha', 'S. K. Mukhopadhyay']
Part-selection and machine-loading problems in a flexible manufacturing system environment: a heuristic approach based on reallocation paradigm