Grinsted, Susan (1990) The use of simulation to investigate heuristics for alternate routing in manufacturing systems. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

Most approaches to classical scheduling problems are unable to cope with alternate routes, but simulation is one approach that may be used. Similarly, most computer aided production management systems are unable to handle alternate routes because of the increased complexity in file structure and management. On the shop floor however, alternate routes are used to meet short-term capacity problems, although some managers feel that quality may be compromised and complexity increased.

Increased awareness of the benefits of flexibility must now question routing flexibility and subsequently flexibility in operation sequence.

Characteristics of alternate routing are stated, and rules for choosing an alternate route for a job are formulated. A simulation model was developed of a simple machine shop comprising up to six machines to process batches of four component types. Setting up times, breakdown patterns and inter-operational transport time are included in the model.

Using the simulation model, a number of rules were tested on single operation alternates and partial route alternates. Two rules work well for different purposes. On single operation alternates, a forced ratio rule achieves workload balance while a rule which examines waiting workload achieves the shortest flowtimes. It is shown that balancing workload on partial routes can incur a penalty on flowtime. Good flowtimes on partial routes may be achieved by using a forced ratio rule or by examining waiting workloads.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	T Technology > TS Manufactures
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Computer integrated manufacturing systems, Flexible manufacturing systems, Production engineering, Scheduling, Heuristic algorithms
Official Date:	September 1990
Dates:	Date Event September 1990 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Engineering
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Hill, John Francis
Format of File:	pdf
Extent:	xix, 310, 118 leaves : illustrations, charts
Language:	eng

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