Multicriteria design and control of a cellular manufacturing system through simulation and optimization

The cellular manufacturing problem has captured the attention of many manufacturers and researchers. Although a considerable amount of literature exists in this domain, most of the research focuses on single-criterion cell configuration problem, e.g. to maximize the throughput. However, to achieve overall efficiency, and to balance different aspects of shop performance, management needs multiple performance measures. In this study, we use flow time, waiting time, and work-in-process as the performance criteria. In order to robustly and optimally design and control the cellular manufacturing system, we modify both the Taguchi method and the response surface methodology (RSM) to the multicriteria situation. The Taguchi method provides robust design, while RSM seeks optimal design. A combination of both methods helps the cellular manufacturing system achieve its fullest potential and therefore find robust design and operating conditions that maximize system efficiency.