Title: FUGEN: a tool for the design of layouts for cellular manufacturing systems

Authors: K.S. Sangwan, Rambabu Kodali

Addresses: Workshop Unit, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani 333031, India. ' Mechanical Engineering Group and Engineering Technology Group, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani 333031, India

Abstract: Design of layouts for Cellular Manufacturing Systems (CMSs) has not received attention by researchers as much as cell formation in cellular manufacturing. In this paper a mathematical model, formulated as a multicriteria Quadratic Assignment Problem (QAP) is proposed for the design of layouts for CMSs with the objective of minimising the material handling cost (quantitative) and maximising the closeness rating (qualitative). A Genetic Algorithm (GA)-based tool called FUGEN, which makes use of crossover, mutation (inversion) and direct entry (elitism) with embedded fuzzy logic and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) models, is developed for the design of layouts for CMSs. An attempt is made to make the model practical by considering the production volume, transfer batch size and operational sequence of parts. The proposed tool is validated using an example from the literature.

Keywords: CMS layout; fuzzy logic; genetic algorithms; GAs; analytical hierarchy process; AHP; cell layout; layout design; cell design; cellular manufacturing; manufacturing cells; mathematical modelling; materials handling cost; closeness rating; production volume; transfer batch size; sequencing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2009.025116

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2009 Vol.5 No.5, pp.595 - 616

Published online: 13 May 2009 *

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