Abstract
In recent years, most researchers have focused on methods which mimic natural processes in problem solving. These methods are most commonly termed “nature-inspired” methods. Ant colony optimization (ACO) is a new and encouraging group of these algorithms. The ant system (AS) is the first algorithm of ACO. In this study, an improved ACO method is used to solve hybrid flow shop (HFS) problems. The n-job and k-stage HFS problem is one of the general production scheduling problems. HFS problems are NP-hard when the objective is to minimize the makespan [1]. This research deals with the criterion of makespan minimization for HFS scheduling problems. The operating parameters of AS have an important role on the quality of the solution. In order to achieve better results, a parameter optimization study is conducted in this paper. The improved ACO method is tested with benchmark problems. The test problems are the same as those used by Carlier and Neron (RAIRO-RO 34(1):1–25, 2000), Neron et al. (Omega 29(6):501–511, 2001), and Engin and Doyen (Future Gener Comput Syst 20(6):1083–1095, 2004). At the end of this study, there will be a comparison of the performance of the proposed method presented in this paper and the branch and bound (B&B) method presented by Neron et al. (Omega 29(6):501–511, 2001). The results show that the improved ACO method is an effective and efficient method for solving HFS problems.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.