Title: A case study on effect of grouping technique in a multi-stage hybrid flow shop

Authors: R. Pugazhenthi; M. Anthony Xavior; R. Saravanan

Addresses: SMBS, VIT University, Vellore-632014, Tamil Nadu, India ' SMBS, VIT University, Vellore-632014, Tamil Nadu, India ' Seva Rathna Vallal RCK College of Engineering, Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: In general, the hybrid flow shop problem (HFSP) is complex in nature. This papers deals with the effect of grouping technique in a multi-stage HFSP with practical relevance. With respect to increase in stages of HSFP, the level of complexity in solving the problem is increased. This paper deals with the problem which is motivated by practical need for operational scheduling in automobile spares manufacturing industry. The venture of this attempt is throughput related, i.e., minimising makespan. The simulation algorithms were used to find answers of many 'what if?' questions. The parameters included in this problem are queue length, mean lead time, machine utilisation to optimise the manufacturing strategy. In this problem, queue discipline was considered by applying first-in-first-out (FIFO) at all stages. The proposed group schedule yielded minimum makespan, acceptable queue length and significantly improved machine utilisation in the real-time examination.

Keywords: hybrid flow shops; HFS; simulation; makespan; group scheduling; critical machine; mathematical modelling; flow shop scheduling; case study; grouping; multi-stage flow shops; automobile industry; automotive spares manufacturing; simulation; queue length; lead times; machine utilisation; manufacturing strategy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCSM.2016.076023

International Journal of Computing Science and Mathematics, 2016 Vol.7 No.1, pp.42 - 53

Received: 05 Jul 2013
Accepted: 24 Mar 2014
Published online: 22 Apr 2016 *

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