Modelling the machine loading problem of Flexible Manufacturing Systems and its solution using a tabu-search-based heuristic

This paper develops a modelling framework that addresses the machine loading problem of FMSs. A generic 0–1 mixed integer programming formulation that models the loading problem, with the minimization of system unbalance and maximization of throughput as the bi-criterion objective, has been proposed. The constraints considered are availability of tool slots and time on machines. Two heuristic methods are discussed to solve the problem. In heuristic 1, sequence generation is carried out using the fixed part sequencing rules. In heuristic 2, tabu-search-based methodology has been adopted to perturn the part sequences obtained from heuristic one and then reallocation of operations on machines are performed keeping in view the above objectives and constraints. The proposed methodology has been tested on ten problems representing three types of FMSs: small, medium and large. Exhaustive computational experiments reveal that the proposed methodology consistently offers good results for all the test problems.