An Object-Oriented Modelling of Production Scheduling for Flexible Manufacturing System

Abstract

This paper presents an object-oriented modelling approach to production scheduling for FMS. The purpose of this study is to prepare a simulation tool to try a method of production scheduling that allocates jobs to the machines and cutting tools in an FMS. This model is developed by using Pharo as the language software for object-oriented programming through UML system design. This model consists of three types of classes. The first type is the Equipment-class, which related to the physical equipment in the FMS, for example machining-centers, cutting tools, pallet stocker, stacker crane. The second type is the Product-class that related to the information how to process the product. This class has sub-class such as process plan, machining operation and required cutting tools. The third class is the Production Planning and Controlling (PPC) class, which related to create the schedule to equipment. The PPC-class has sub-classes such as the daily order or job, job sequence, job allocation on machine and scheduling methods. A numerical example is provided in this paper to show that the object-oriented model for FMS and production scheduling is verified. The FMS consist of four identical machining centers and eight jobs. Each job has a process plan that requires some specific cutting tool types. The method for production scheduling in this model is Shortest Processing Time (SPT). The production scheduling performance is measured in this model.