Scheduling methods for a class of flexible manufacturing systems

Scheduling methods are proposed for a class of flexible manufacturing systems consisting of machine centers served by a cyclic conveyor. The minimization of finish time is considered as the optimization criterion. An optimal algorithm is proposed for the minimum conveyor speed (S=1) for a particular system in the class under consideration. Scheduling algorithms based on a job matching principle, that are developed for the general systems, yield good results particularly for low conveyor speeds.