Title: Integration of genetic algorithm, analytic hierarchy process and computer simulation for optimisation of operator allocation in manufacturing systems with weighted variables

Authors: Ali Azadeh; Seyed Mohammad Asadzadeh; M. Mehrangohar; Ehsan Fathi

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, Center of Excellence for Intelligent-Based Experimental Mechanics, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Karegar Shomali, P.O. Box 11155-4563, Tehran, Iran ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Center of Excellence for Intelligent-Based Experimental Mechanics, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Karegar Shomali, P.O. Box 11155-4563, Tehran, Iran ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Center of Excellence for Intelligent-Based Experimental Mechanics, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Karegar Shomali, P.O. Box 11155-4563, Tehran, Iran ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Center of Excellence for Intelligent-Based Experimental Mechanics, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Karegar Shomali, P.O. Box 11155-4563, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: This paper presents an integrated analytic hierarchy process (AHP) genetic algorithm (GA) and computer simulation (CS) for the optimisation of operator allocation in cellular manufacturing systems (CMS) with weighted variables. This is a challenging issue in manufacturing systems in general and in CMS in particular. A computer simulation model which considers various operators layout is developed. GA is utilised for optimisations of results of various operators layout and AHP is utilised to define the weight of variables of fitness function for GA. Previous studies only utilise multivariate analysis methods, fuzzy C-means and simulation, whereas this study uses an integrated GA, AHP and simulation for CMS with weighted variables. Also, previous CMS studies consider only one type of product whereas this study considers multi product CMS modelling through simulation. Moreover, more robust CMS assessment indicators are used in the proposed model. A practical case study illustrates the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed methodology.

Keywords: genetic algorithms; simulation; operator allocation; analytical hierarchy process; AHP; cellular manufacturing system; CMS; weighted variables; optimisation; manufacturing cells; modelling; cell layout.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2014.059765

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2014 Vol.17 No.3, pp.318 - 339

Published online: 21 Jun 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article