Title: A dynamic sustainable cell formation problem in agile production systems

Authors: Reza Babazadeh; Hamed Rafiei; Masoud Rabbani

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 11155-45632, Tehran, Iran ' Department of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 11155-45632, Tehran, Iran ' Department of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 11155-45632, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: This paper addresses cell formation problem in an agile production environment considering machine modification. Having modifications applied, inter-cell movements and costs of purchasing new machines are considerably reduced. Using machine modification technology in cellular manufacturing system reduces the inter-cell movement and costs of purchasing new machines. Parts' demands determine the number of required machines in each period and thereby a proper decision can be made in regards to purchasing new machines and/or machine modification. Considering the customer satisfaction issue in the agile production systems, response time to customers is very important, machine modification approach can be applied with fewer costs and high degree of response (quick response) in these systems. Sensitivity analysis on the machine modification benefits shows the sensitivity of proposed model to this benefit.

Keywords: cellular manufacturing systems; CMS; manufacturing cells; machine modification; dynamic cell formation; agile production systems; agile manufacturing; agility; sustainable cell formation; customer satisfaction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJOR.2013.052714

International Journal of Operational Research, 2013 Vol.16 No.4, pp.448 - 464

Published online: 29 Jul 2014 *

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