Simultaneous evaluation and selection of strategies for loading and controlling machines and material handling system in FMS

Abstract

In this research, two operational-level problems in FMS, machine loading and controlling, are considered simultaneously. Much of the past research has addressed these problems independently. However, overall performance of the system is dependent on both loading and control strategies. Furthermore, most work considers a unique system and thus general conclusions cannot be drawn from the research. This paper focuses on identifying the set of most significant factors which contribute to the performance of the system at the operational level for an FMS. These factors include loading and control strategies as well as system parameters such as buffer sizes and number of pallets. A procedure is developed for the evaluation and selection of operational-level strategies based on overall system performance. The proposed method incorporates an integer programming loading model, discrete-event simulation model at the control level and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The implementation of the procedure is illustrated with the help of a numerical example.