An eigenvector solution methodology for finding part-machine families

Abstract

The problem of finding part-machine families for cellular manufacturing using efficient machine duplication and part subcontracting strategies is described. An eigenvector approach is developed to find part-machine families which allows management and facility designers control over the number of cells, cell size and performance criteria by generating a variety of cellular manufacturing designs. An important feature of this modelling procedure is that it allows us to estimate how far the generated part or machine families are from the best or optimal part families or machine cells using machine duplication and part subcontracting strategies, respectively. Numerical results are presented for several known examples in the group technology literature.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

A. VANNELLI

This research was partially supported by an operating grant (No. OGP0044456) from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and a grant from the Manufacturing Research Corporation of Ontario.

R. G. HALL

The author is presently with Hewlett-Packard, Palo Alto, CA, USA.