Authors: Aghezzaf, El-Houssaine; Sitompul, Carles

Abstract: In this paper, a multi-item lot sizing model is proposed for a practical capacitated two-stage production system with stochastic demands. It is observed that the annual demand in the first stage (semi-finished product) is stable while the weekly demand in the second stage (item product) is lumpy. A typical hierarchical production planning model considers the holding costs at the aggregate level and setup costs at the operational level. In this practical case, the setup cost in the first stage is considerably higher than the setup cost in the second stage. An integrated hierarchical planning is proposed to solve this problem where the semi-finished production in the first stage (i.e. aggregate level) is disaggregated into item production in the second stage (i.e. detailed level). We propose a cyclical planning model in the aggregate level and a modified periodic review policy in the detailed level. A coupling plan, linking the two levels, is proposed to ensure the feasibility of the disaggregation process.

Keywords: Supply Chain Management (SCM); Optimization and Control; Stochastic Processes

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00134

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Tounsi, Jihene; Azaiez, Selma; Habchi, Georges; Boissiere, Julien

Abstract: This paper presents the application of the multiagent system for modelling supply chains involving small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the mechatronic industry. This work is a combination of two research scopes. The first one deals with the identification of the different concepts able to model the particular manufacturing systems and production context in Savoie – France. The second one outlines the development process based on an agent modeling approach which offers an easy and reusable modelling of supply chain concepts.

Keywords: Modeling Supply Chain Dynamics; Multi-agent Simulation; Supply Chain Management (SCM)

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00141

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Aramoon- Bajestani, M.; Tavakkoli-Moghaddam, Reza

Abstract: This paper presents a scheduling problem with unrelated parallel machines and sequence-dependent setup times that minimizes the total weighted tardiness. A new branch-and-bound (B&B) algorithm is designed incorporating the lower and upper bounding schemes and two dominance properties. The lower and upper bounds are derived through an assignment problem and the composite dispatching rule (ATCS), respectively. We carry out computational experiments and the related results are reported.

Keywords: Branch and Bound; Scheduling Heuristics; Integer Linear Programming

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00130

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Tavakkoli-Moghaddam, Reza; Rezaei, Nazila; Torabi, S.A.

Abstract: This paper presents a novel, mixed-integer programming model for scheduling of n independent jobs in a flexible flow shop (FFS) system with blocking processor, sequence-dependent setup times, and unrelated parallel machines. Due dates are uncertain in nature and assumed to be fuzzyness. The main objective is to maximize the weighted additive of the satisfaction level of meeting due dates. Since the problem is known to be NP-hard in strong sense, only a few test problems in small sizes is solved by the Lingo software package in order to show the validity of the proposed model. Finally, the computational results along with some directions for further studies are discussed.

Keywords: Integer Linear Programming; Scheduling Heuristics; Mathematical Approaches for Scheduling

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00131

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Shaw, Gareth Darcy; Yoong, Li Hsien; Roop, Partha S; Salcic, Zoran

Abstract: The model-driven approach to software development has been increasingly applied to manage the growing complexity in modern manufacturing systems. With this approach, a model of a system is first created at a high-level of abstraction. The model is then converted into an executable program by means of automatic code generation tools. Models can be simulated and visualized throughout the entire design flow of the system, thereby increasing confidence of the design’s correctness and its adherence to user requirements. Moreover, since the design is specified at a higher level of abstraction, the description itself is easier to understand, and consequently, less prone to errors. However, automated code generation from high-level models have typically been inefficient compared to hand-crafted code. In this paper, we demonstrate an approach for generating efficient code for systems modelled using IEC 61499 function blocks. We have also developed a tool chain that allows complex material handling systems to be modelled, visualized, and synthesized in a seamless fashion. Experimental evaluations show that our approach produces significantly faster and smaller code compared to an existing tool.

Keywords: Manufacturing System Engineering; Formalisms and Modeling Techniques

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00235

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Gouyon, David; Chaigneau, Stéphane; Quiot, Jean-Marc; Veaux, Nicolas; Chapurlat, Vincent

Abstract: Integration, Verification & Validation processes are key activities regarding the Quality, Cost and Delivery time, and thus has a huge impact on the projects profitability. IVV processes are complex and have to take into account in a coherent way various elements such as skills, organizations, means, process and risk management. Therefore, a maturity model is well adapted to describe how to evaluate and improve an industrial context. In order to help managers to assess their IVV process and reach a performance level corresponding to their goal, an assessment notation has been carried out (IV²AN). As the main idea is to improve step by step and not to jump directly to the higher level, the assessment notation proposes some ideas for a smooth deployment to improve and gain in development performance. This paper describes this approach, based on criteria which seem important to the INCOSE's French Chapter (AFIS) IVVQ Working Group and shared by several industrial companies.

Keywords: Formalisms and Modeling Techniques; Formal Specification and Verification

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00226

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Hsu, Chun-Chin; Yang, Chien-hisn; Su, Chao-Ton

Abstract: Traditional Independent component analysis (ICA) based process monitoring method used an elliptical measure as monitoring statistic. However, the extracted ICA components usually exhibit skewed distribution and it will decrease the fault detection rate if the elliptical measure is applied. Thus, this study aims to develop a rectangular measure for ICA based process monitoring. The basic idea of proposed monitoring scheme is first to screen out outliers in order to describe well the data majority. Second, the ICA algorithm is used to extract the features of variables and perform dimension reduction. Finally, the extracted ICA components are combined into the rectangular measure as the monitoring statistic. The efficiency of proposed monitoring scheme will be implemented via a five variables simulation example and a case study of Tennessee Eastman process. Results indicate the proposed method outperform several traditional monitoring methods in terms of fault detection rate.

Keywords: Quality Predictive Monitoring; In-process Manufacturing Monitoring; Adaptive Methods

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00049

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Vichare, Parag; Nassehi, Aydin; Newman, Stephen Thomas

Abstract: Today Parallel Kinematic Machines (PKM) are re-attracting attention in the manufacturing practice due to their advantages over traditional serial kinematic structures. Still very few PKMs are on the market due to limited CNC controller support. In addition, most commercial postprocessor development tools lack the capability to represent all aspects of parallel kinematic structures. A novel universal approach is proposed in this paper for representing PKM structures as well as serial kinematic machine tools. This universal approach can be adopted as a basis for developing a generic postprocessor to support serial and parallel kinematic machine tools.

Keywords: Computer Numeric Control (CNC); Standard for the Exchange of Product Data (STEP)

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00300

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Li, Duan; Sun, Xiaoling; Gao, Jianjun; Gu, Shenshen; Zheng, Xiaojin

Abstract: Reachability is one of the most important behavioral properties of Petri nets and the past four decades have witnessed great efforts in developing various implementable methodologies in determining reachability of Petri nets. We propose in this paper a novel method for solving the fundamental equation in the reachability analysis, which has been known to be NP-complete. More specifically, by adopting a revised version of the cell enumeration method for an arrangement of hyperplanes in discrete geometry, we develop an efficient solution scheme to identify firing count vector solution(s) to the fundamental equation on a bounded integer set, with a complexity bound of O((nomega)^{n-m}), where n is the number of transitions, m is the number of places and omega is the upper bound of the number of firings for every transition.

Keywords: Formalisms and Modeling Techniques; Optimization and Control; Discrete Applied Mathematics

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00044

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Levner, Eugene; Kats, Vladimir

Abstract: Consider an m-machine production line for processing identical parts served by a mobile robot. The problem is to find the minimum cycle time for 2-cyclic schedules, in which exactly two parts enter and two parts leave the production line during each production cycle. This paper treats a special case of the 2-cyclic robot scheduling problem in which the robot route is given and the operation durations are to be chosen from prescribed intervals. A strongly polynomial algorithm with complexity O(m^4) is proposed.

Keywords: Mathematical Approaches for Scheduling; Scheduling Heuristics; Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00128

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Whitman, Lawrence; Huffman, John

Abstract: Due to the confusion of model contents and use, the reuse of existing enterprise models is limited. The inability for various aspects of an enterprise to be aware of its existing models, further exacerbates this problem. This paper presents an approach to integrating models and then proposes a method that will significantly aid in the comparison and evaluation of various enterprise models. This will lead to an enterprise-wide enterprise model repository. Two sample enterprise models are represented using the method. A direct benefit is the potential for increased model reuse.

Keywords: Enterprise System Engineering; Business Process Modeling

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00151

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Medjaher, Kamal; Gouriveau, Rafael; Zerhouni, Noureddine

Abstract: In maintenance field, many developments exist to support the prognostic activity. However, the implementation of an adequate and efficient prognostic tool can be a non trivial task as it is difficult to provide effective models of dynamic systems including the inherent uncertainty of prognostic. In this context, the purpose of the paper is to propose a procedure to generate a prognostic model. The work is based on the integration of bond graph tool and Dynamic Bayesian Networks. The first one provides a dynamic model of the system, and the second ones, thanks to their inference capability, enable to take into account uncertainty and are well suitable to perform diagnosis and prognostic. The proposed procedure is illustrated on an hydromechanical system.

Keywords: Predictive Maintenance; Intelligent Diagnostic Methodologies; Diagnostic Systems

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00265

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Andreasson, Sven-Arne

Abstract: The CHAMP (Chalmers Architecture and Methodology for Flexible Production) system is a general control system for manufacturing that can be configured for arbitrary production. The same system can be used recursive at different levels of the production. The system consists of producers that can perform operations on products and movers that can move products between producers. Each product is described by a number of operations that are mapped to global operations in the database. Thus a flexible production can be designed only by defining the product recipes and the factory layout

Keywords: Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS); Manufacturing Execution Systems; Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems (RMS)

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00100

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Aggoune, Riad; Mati, Yazid; Dauzère-Pérès, Stéphane

Abstract: This paper presents a new polynomial algorithm for solving two-job shop scheduling problems where there can be an arbitrary number of non-availability periods on each machine. This assumption makes the scheduling models more realistic in comparison to usual ones. The proposed solution algorithm is an extension of the geometric approach developed for the classical two-job shop problem.

Keywords: Mathematical Approaches for Scheduling; Graph theory

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00197

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Wang, Xingxuan

Abstract: The generalized switched server (GSS) system, a discretely controlled continuous-time system, can be employed to address a class of load-balancing problems. Following some results on the fuzzy scheduling strategy (FSS) for the GSS systems, this paper studies the FSS strategy and its robustness over the system dynamical heterogeneity. The GSS system model and the problem of the system heterogeneity are reviewed and analyzed. The problem of the system dynamical heterogeneity is investigated, and the numerical experiment results for the systems with dynamical heterogeneity further show the effectiveness of the fuzzy scheduling strategy for the task balancing of the GSS systems and its robustness over the system heterogeneity.

Keywords: Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence; Real-time Artificial Intelligence; Supervisory Control Theory

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00192

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Tom, Kirkham; Bepperling, Axel; Colombo, Armando Walter; McLeod, Stuart; Harrison, Robert

Abstract: This paper provides a brief overview of the SOCRADES project and highlights some of the benefits of the adoption of a SOA approach to the implementation of component-based distributed automation systems. The discussion includes details of the underlying architecture, and explains the loosely coupled nature of distributed web service based systems. The need for the effective orchestration of services is highlighted and potential approaches to system modelling and 3D visualisations are described in outline. The application of the SOCRADES approach in a demonstration environment is introduced and explored towards the end of the paper.

Keywords: Supply Chain Management (SCM); E-solutions in Operations Management

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00269

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Kaku, Ikou

Abstract: We have developed an effective heuristic algorithm based on segmentation to solve the multilevel lot-sizing problems in a series assembly product structure (Kaku and Xu 2006, Kaku, Li and Xu 2008). The heuristic algorithm segments the solution space and guides the search direction in which a better solution is able to exist, by using the solution structure information of the multilevel lot-sizing problem, so that better performance can be achieved. In this paper, we extend the heuristic algorithm to general case of multilevel lot sizing problem with time-invariant cost structures and no restrictive assumption on the product structure. Comparing with the results obtained by the genetic algorithm (developed by Dellaert and Jeunet 2000, Dellaert, Jeunet and Jonard 2000), the effectiveness of the heuristic algorithm is shown by simulation experiments.

Keywords: Heuristic and Metaheuristics; Material Requirement Planning (MRP); Supply Chain Management (SCM)

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00091

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Awasthi, Anjali; Chauhan, Satyaveer

Abstract: The current article proposes a modeling and simulation framework for parts selection and routing in automated guided vehicle systems. The proposed model has been built in Arena and employs several rule-based procedures. Design of experiments is conducted to identify the best sequence of rules to follow to parts selection and routing in order to improve system performance. An application of the model is illustrated using a hypothetical automated guided vehicle system (AGVS) layout.

Keywords: Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV); Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS); Robotic Systems

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00103

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Ferrarini, Luca; Carneiro, Juliano

Abstract: Thermal overloads of overhead lines have become quite common after the introduction of the electricity market. In this paper, a thermal protection scheme based on MPC (model predictive control) techniques is proposed to prevent uncontrolled tripping of transmission lines caused by overloads. The predictive controller uses a thermal model of conductors and a finer weather description to control directly the line temperatures instead of currents. Simulations results show that the proposed approach might improve the performance of thermal protection schemes in both hot and cold seasons.

Keywords: Optimization and Control; Intelligent Predictive Control

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00360

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Khmelnitsky, Evgeni; Singer, Gonen

Abstract: The paper addresses a problem of capacitated inventory control. It incorporates the reputation of the system as a key factor influencing the distribution of future demand. The reputation depends on the degree to which past demand was satisfied. The optimality conditions developed by means of a perturbation analysis technique allow formulating some structural properties of optimal dynamics of inventory and reputation. A numerical procedure is devised to calculate an optimal rule for inventory control. The rule determines the order quantity at each time period as a function of inventory and reputation of the system at the beginning of the period. A numerical example illustrates the applicability of the developed solution method.

Keywords: Optimization and Control; Performance Evaluation

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00281

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Chen, James C.; Hsu, Mei-Fang; Sun, Cheng-Ju

Abstract: An infinite capacity planning system (ICPS) is developed for an integrated circuit packaging plant. ICPS consists of five modules: Work-In-Process (WIP) Pulling Module, Lot Release Module, Resource Selection Module, Workload Accumulation Module, and Workload Balance Module. WIP-Pulling Module pulls WIP from the end of the process route to meet the master production schedule (MPS). If WIP cannot meet the MPS requirement, Lot Release Module is executed to release new lots. Resource Selection Module facilitates a lot to select an appropriate resource at each operation step and calculate the lot’s planned start time and planned finished time at each step. Workload Accumulation Module accumulates the workload of each machine and each jig on each day. Workload Balance Module balances the loading of machines and jigs by adjusting the lot’s start time using these resources. Simulation is used to evaluate ICPS performance, and results show that ICPS can effectively and efficiently balance the workload of production resources.

Keywords: Process Planning/Equipment Selection; Capacity and Performance Evaluation; Scheduling Heuristics

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00176

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Shahzad, Muhammad Atif; Mebarki, Nasser

Abstract: One of the most important objectives to deal with in a manufacturing system is to minimize tardiness which can be measured through several performance measures. In this paper, a set of benchmark priority dispatching rules is used in a series of simulations under different operating conditions, to study the behavior of tardiness based measures, especially of the maximum tardiness. Two sets of rules have been identified based upon the distribution of the maximum tardiness. Experiments have shown that maximum tardiness and root mean square tardiness of the system are positively correlated. This provides an opportunity to predict the worst-case behavior of the manufacturing system in regards with tardiness as well as the width of the tardiness by evaluating root mean square tardiness.

Keywords: Discrete-event Simulation

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00333

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Masolkin, Stanislav; Promyslov, Vitaly

Abstract: In course of works on creation of a perspective NPP (nuclear power plant) APCS (automated process control system) of a new generation, there was developed and is putting in operation a distributed diagnostics system of the NPP APCS. The diagnostic system was unified with regards to its technical solutions including a human-machine interface with the SCADA tools for the APCS. Such a solution enabled one to decrease the APCS time creation, NPP personnel training, and to increase the NPP operation safety. To provide support the unique SCADA in the whole APCS, for the diagnostics purposes there were developed virtual controllers located in NPP APCS LAN (local area network) nodes. There were implemented researches of influence of the active equipment of the NPP APCS LAN on the time of transferring a signal between the source and receiver in the LAN, stability of the time in the APCS. Upon the researches, there were elaborated recommendations on validation of the diagnostic system, algorithms of data processing.

Keywords: Intelligent Diagnostic Methodologies; Safety-Critical and Mission-Critical Software; In-process Manufacturing Monitoring

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00304

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Daclin, Nicolas; Chapurlat, Vincent; Benaben, Frederick

Abstract: This paper aims at demonstrating and illustrating how formal verification approaches and techniques can be used to help human actors, involved in a decision process, to understand, to manage and to control more efficiently a given system. On the one hand, using formal methods induces to adapt modelling means i.e. to increase the formal level taking into account the knowledge of actor. On the other hand, it requires to develop specific reasoning mechanisms adapted to the expected objective of the actor such as to detect risks, to control, to increase performance, etc.. This paper presents the foundation of an approach named Anticipative Effects-Driven Approach .This approach aims at modelling, characterizing and detecting by the use of properties proof mechanisms, the different effects induced by partners, environment and activities throughout a collaborative process. This research takes place in the French research project ISYCRI (Interoperability of SYstems CRIsis situation, ANR-06- CSOSG).

Keywords: Formal Specification and Verification; Formalisms and Modeling Techniques

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00225

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009

Authors: Awasthi, Anjali; Chauhan, Satyaveer; Proth, Jean-Marie

Abstract: This article presents a zone formation algorithm for tandem AGV systems. The goal of the algorithm is to partition a given layout into a set of non overlapping zones in order to minimize the part flows between zones (or inter-zone part flows). The proposed algorithm is based on the principle of clustering. At the start of the algorithm, we allocate each station to a zone. Later, we merge zones at various runs of the algorithm to form new zones using inter-zone parts flow and distance criteria. The restriction on the size and the parts flow in the zones is obtained by comparison against user-defined values. The algorithm terminates when all the zones satisfy the desired size and parts flow limits. We demonstrate the applicability of our approach using a numerical illustration.

Keywords: Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV); Manufacturing Cells; Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS)

Identifier: 10.3182/20090603-3-RU-2001.00101

Conference: 13th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing

Location: V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russia

Start Date: Wed Jun 03 2009 - End Date: Fri Jun 05 2009