Multi-objective Scheduling Model for Reconfigurable Assembly Systems

Abstract

Reconfigurable assembly system (RAS) is an innovative manufacturing paradigm which is an extension of reconfigurable manufacturing system (RMS) having the advantage of both dedicated serial lines and flexible assembly systems to address the challenges of dynamic market conditions. The primary goal of RAS is to improve the responsiveness of assembly system to fluctuating market demand by enabling rapid and cost-effective reconfiguration. In this paper, a model for optimizing the schedule plan with three objective functions related to RAS namely reconfiguration cost/time, delivery schedule, and work content balance is proposed. Finding the optimum sequence of a product in the product family while optimizing the three given objectives while meeting the customer demand are the main focus of this optimization framework.