Operations planning and scheduling problems in an FMS: An integrated approach

Operations planning and scheduling (OPS) problems in advanced manufacturing systems, such as flexible manufacturing systems, are composed of a set of interrelated problems, such as part-type batching, machine grouping, tool loading, routing, part input sequencing and on-line scheduling. In this paper, an integrated, simulation-based approach to the OPS problems is discussed. A detailed simulation model is developed using FORTRAN and SLAM II which integrates loading part inputting, routing and dispatching issues of the OPS. An experimental frame is developed which provides statistical analysis of the simulation output by developing an experimental design. Statistical analyses concerning a number of system parameters (e.g. loading strategies and scheduling rules) are performed on a set of performance measures.