Goal programming model for loading and routing problems in flexible manufacturing systems

Companies are becoming more interested in flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) because of requirements about low volume production, short product life, availability of the new products for the market in a short time and flexibility of design and production management. A flexible manufacturing system is a set of computer-numerically controlled machine tools connected by an automatic material handling system and controlled by a central computer system. In this study, a goal programming model is developed for flexible manufacturing systems that consists of several machines and work parts and has an automatic material handling system. Every work part has different routes for which alternative machines can be used for part production. This model is tested for problems with different sizes. Multiple-criteria programming approach is used to consider the distance factor between machines in loading and routing problems in FMS