Integrating fuzzy case-based reasoning and discrete-event simulation to develop a decision support system for part-fixture assignment and fixture flow control

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to propose a decision support system (DSS) that performs a decision-based part-fixture assignment and fixture flow control in planned production periods.Design/methodology/approachThe principal approaches were fuzzy case-based reasoning (FCBR) and discrete-event simulation (DES). Besides, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), an object-oriented (OO) method and a fuzzy weighted Euclidean distance were used to support the decision-making process.FindingsIt shows that integrating FCBR and DES systems is a promising approach to address part-fixture planning problems. The FCBR subsystem proposed various stable numbers of fixtures as scenarios. The DES model analyzed the future performances of these scenarios and identified the best alternative.Research limitations/implicationsThe DSS was tested in laboratory environments using a numerical analysis; however, it was not validated in industrial situations.Originality/valueThe synergy of integrating FCBR and DES systems was not exploited in the past in part-fixture assignment and fixture flow control problems.