A multi-objective production planning model in a flexible manufacturing environment

Production planning for flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) has been studied using different methods, including simulation; queueing networks; and several single-objective mathematical programming techniques. The decision making process for production planning in FMS usually involves multiple conflicting objectives. Thus, goal programming (GP) can be effectively applied to this decision problem. This study discusses the superior aspects of the GP model over other models, when solving the production planning problem for FMS. A GP model is presented and the implementation results of an illustrative problem are analysed.