Segment set-based part input sequencing in flexible manufacturing systems

Abstract

In competitive and uncertain business environments, manufacturing firms face various challenges requiring quick response, customisation and cost effectiveness to sustain competitive advantage. This paper proposes a segment set-based approach for the part input sequencing problem of flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs). The segment set theorems are built for the development of the segment set-based approach for the problem. A numerical study is done using simulation, and validated through statistical analyses. Our approach results in the significant performance improvement of the FMSs. Managerial implications are discussed. Further research is also provided.

Keywords:

• FMS sequencing
• quick response manufacturing
• make-to-order production
• mass customisation/mass personalisation
• dynamic workload balance

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to gratefully thank the Editor-in-Chief, Professor Dolgui, for his precious time and efforts towards our paper. The authors would also like to sincerely thank the Associate Editor and the reviewers for their valuable comments that have helped to improve the paper.