Beam search for sequencing point operations in flat plate manufacturing

This paper considers point operations problems in which several operations need to be performed at pre-specified locations on a flat plate, by a CNC machine. This paper develops a new procedure based on beam search methodology. The proposed method was tested using real data. The results show that the proposed method provides superior results over the current procedure used by an Australian company. The method significantly reduces the non-value added (travel+changeover) time.