Optimised Cell Formation Algorithm Considering Sequence of Operations, Alternative Routing and Part-Volume

Abstract

A novel cell formation algorithm has been introduced in this paper. The motivation o f the research is the lack o f attention in important information, e.g., production demand (or part-volume), in the most o f the cell formation techniques. For example, one o f the crucial steps in the design o f a cellular manufacturing system is the cell formation problem, which involves grouping the parts into part families and machines into machine groups. It has been found that 80% o f the cell formation problems consider only 0-1 (binary) machine-part incidence matrix that ignores the sequence o f operations in manufacturing parts. Further, literature reveals that only a few studies consider alternative routing. In order to cope with this situation a new cell formation algorithm, considering the factors sequence o f operation, alternative routing and part-volume, is introduced.