Application of goal programming for capacity waste minimisation

The use of goal programming in minimising capacity waste in the Shock Absorber Department of a batch manufacturing automobile plant is illustrated. The concept of capacity waste is outlined and the objectives and constraints of capacity waste minimisation identified. Only linear objectives of the minimisation of idle time, set-up time, work-in-process inventory and maximisation of profit are considered for the development of the goal programming model. The manufacture of different kinds of piston rods for various makes of shock absorbers are described and relevant data pertaining to processing time, setup time, work-in-process inventory, etc, are presented. A goal programming model, formulated for the problem, is analysed for different priority structures.