The multi-dimensional aspects of a group technology algorithm

The robust and efficient algorithm presented in Li and Parking performs the sort separately on each of the categories, either machines or parts, so the two-dimensional restriction of the standard group technology algorithm is removed and multi-dimensional grouping is possible; we can consider machines, parts, operators, vendors, customers, transportation systems and any other category of importance to the manufacture and delivery of the product to the customer. We demonstrate the multi-dimensional aspects of the algorithm with several examples. Each category can be assigned a weight, so management can devise strategies to maximize overall efficiency and productivity. It will be shown that the robust nature of the original algorithm is not compromised by moving into more than two dimensions. The algorithm is implemented on MATLAB and the software is available from the authors.