Inspection sequencing and part scheduling for flexible manufacturing systems

An approach to the study of integrated effects of inspection sequencing rules and part scheduling policies in flexible manufacturing settings is presented. Simulation experiments were carried out to examine 5 inspection sequencing heuristics while considering 8 different part scheduling policies in a typical FMS construct. Analyses of data have shown that the inspection sequencing has a significant impact on FMS performance, and the selection of a part scheduling policy relies heavily on the inspection plan implemented in the system. The results of this study sustain the need to explore total issues of an FMS, if possible, rather than a piecemeal approach which usually falls short when pursuing a global system optimization.