Job scheduling and vehicle control rules for flexible manufacturing systems

Includes bibliographical references (pages [118]-120)This thesis presents a simulation approach for solving the problem of managing and controlling the operational policies in a Flexible Manufacturing System. Specifically, the problem addressed is the determination of effective vehicle control policies for different job scheduling rules. The problem is given a precise form and the relevant factors of the problem are discussed. A Flexible Manufacturing System layout is designed and a simulation model is developed incorporating all the necessary factors stated in the problem. Results from simulation runs are subjected to statistical tests and important performance measures are determined. The operational policies are evaluated after analyzing all the performance measures.M.S. (Master of Science