Title: Optimal allocation of operators in a cellular manufacturing system by an integrated computer simulation–genetic algorithm approach

Authors: Ali Azadeh, Behnaz Pourvalikhan Nokhandan, Sayed Mohammad Asadzadeh, Ehsan Fathi

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, Center of Excellence for Intelligent Based Experimental Mechanics, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran. ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Center of Excellence for Intelligent Based Experimental Mechanics, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran. ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Center of Excellence for Intelligent Based Experimental Mechanics, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran. ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Center of Excellence for Intelligent Based Experimental Mechanics, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran

Abstract: By noting the importance of flexible manufacturing system (FMS), variable market and reduction in product life cycle, this study presents a decision-making model for optimisation of operator allocation in a Cellular Manufacturing System (CMS) using computer simulation (CS) and genetic algorithm (GA). This study determines the number of cross-trained operators and optimum operators| layout with respect to cellular condition in a CMS by an integrated approach. The main contribution of this paper is utilisation of an integrated CS–GA approach for optimum allocation of operators in a CMS whereas previous studies only use CS or other meta-heuristics. A typical U-shaped CMS is used as the case study to show superiority and advantage of the proposed approach.

Keywords: simulation; GAs; genetic algorithms; optimisation; operator allocation; CMS; cellular manufacturing systems; manufacturing cells; flexible manufacturing systems; FMS.

DOI: 10.1504/IJOR.2011.038905

International Journal of Operational Research, 2011 Vol.10 No.3, pp.333 - 360

Published online: 14 Feb 2015 *

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