An Optimization Model and GA for Solving Machine and Process Selection Problems in Manufacturing Systems

In some industries such as electronic industries, a dynamic manufacturing environment is adopted. In these systems, manufacturing processes and machines selection is based upon the released orders over specific time periods. Therefore, each order is characterized by a part mix that may need to be revised based on machine availability or other economical factors. However, it is necessary to consider the costs of acquiring new machines and revising manufacturing process and to evaluate the benefits derived after such changes of this dynamic system. Chen (1999) considered this problem and suggested a heuristic algorithm based on a decomposition method as a solution procedure. This paper presents the optimal solutions to the machine and process selection problem and suggests a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to solve such problems. The obtained results are evaluated and compared against the existing methods using numerical examples. Keywords: Machine selection, Process selection, Dynamic manufacturing systems, Genetic algorithm