Comparative analysis of group scheduling heuristics in a flow shop cellular system

The authors investigate group scheduling heuristics in a flow shop cellular system with two types of order shipment environment: permitted early shipment (PES) and forbidden early shipment (FES). Once an order is completed in the PES environment, it leaves the system without delay. In the FES environment, however, the suppliers must deliver materials to the system on a just-in-time basis; and a completed order cannot leave the system earlier than the customer has specified. The FES environment therefore captures many of the features of the currently popular just-in-time (JIT) approach to manufacturing. Examines shop factors such as the order shipment environment, demand pattern variability, and order release policy. Shows that the performance of heuristics in the FES environment differs from their performance in the PES environment, except for tardiness-related measures. Identifies the best performing heuristics, which can provide guidance for schedulers or decision makers in the selection of preferable heuristics.