On the use of the asymptotic forms of the Boolean matrix for designing cellular manufacturing systems – an improved approach

The use of asymptotic forms of the Boolean matrix for grouping machines and parts is of recent origin. It has distinct strengths such as the ability to identify bottlenecks. This paper analyses the existing approach and discovers its limitations. Persisting with the idea of exploiting the properties of the Boolean matrix, this paper proposes an improved and robust method to identify bottlenecks, the maximum number of natural groups as well as a general method for the design of cellular manufacturing systems.