A multi-objective model of operation allocation and material handling system selection in FMS design

This paper proposes a method for simultaneously determining the operation allocation and material handling system selection in an FMS environment with multiple performance objectives. The 0–1 integer programming model is developed to select machines, assign operations of part types to the selected machines, and assign material handling equipment to transport the parts from machine to machine, as well as to handle the part at a given machine. The selection is based on the compatibility between the material handling equipment and the parts. The objective is to minimize the costs of operations, material handling, machine setups, and to maximize the part–equipment compatibility. A numerical example has been presented to illustrate the application of model.