Article ID: | iaor1998737 |
Country: | United Kingdom |
Volume: | 35 |
Issue: | 2 |
Start Page Number: | 313 |
End Page Number: | 326 |
Publication Date: | Feb 1997 |
Journal: | International Journal of Production Research |
Authors: | Martin G.E., Mahmood F. |
Keywords: | simulation: applications |
In this paper we develop a new efficiency-oriented subfamily queue selection heuristic for the cellular manufacturing environment. With the goal of minimizing aggregate times required for major sequence-dependent machine setups at a workcentre, this heuristic includes a feature for dynamically assessing variations in a subfamily's arrival rate, enhancing its suitability for realistic transient-state conditions. Computer similation is used to test the heuristic against several well-known alternatives under various experimental conditions. The results indicate superior flowtime and due date performance by the new heuristic in a variety of situations.