A Scheduling Heuristic for Enhancing Effectiveness of Machining-Centers with a Multiple APC: Case Study

Conference
Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management
Publisher(s)
University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce
Date Issued
2007
Author(s)
Alsyouf, Imad
Abstract
The paper presents a heuristic for scheduling jobs on a machining-center with a multiple-pallets automatic pallet charger (APC). The model is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the machining-center through minimizing the total weighted-tardiness of jobs. The multiple-pallet APC allows multiple-setups and a more flexible sequencing of jobs. The proposed heuristic is tested on scheduling jobs on various horizontal machining-centers for manufacturing pump castings at Växjöfabriken Company located in Växjö, Sweden. Machining-centers include MAZAK H400, MAZAK H500, and OKUMA MA600. Results obtained from the study show a 23% to 100% reduction in expected tardiness of jobs compared to that obtained using the company’s scheduling policy. The proposed model is flexible, adjustable, and expandable. Effective scheduling ensures high availability, high level of utilization, and increased productivity.
Subject(s)
Access Rights
public
Rights
This work is protected by copyright. Reproduction or distribution of the work in any format is prohibited without written permission of the copyright owner.
Rights Holder(s)
University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce
Bibliographic Citation
Camilla Duh, Carsten Daub, Imad Alsyouf, Omar Al-Araidah (2007) A Scheduling Heuristic for Enhancing Effectiveness of Machining-Centers with a Multiple APC: Case Study.
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