Solving a Cubic Cell Formation Problem with Quality Index Using a Hybrid Meta-Heuristic Approach

Abstract

Although most previous studies on cell formation have involved the assignment of parts and machines to cells, in recent years the assignment of workers has also been considered and the studies have taken into account the human factor. An important step for the successful implementation of a Cellular Manufacturing System is to decide appropriate groups of parts, machines, and workers and then assign them to cells. Consideration of the skills of workers and machines in processing parts has enhanced cell performance. In this study, the problem of a cubic cell formation that takes into account the three-dimensional part-machine-worker matrix is addressed, and the minimization of the exceptional element and void as well as the maximization of the part quality index is aimed. The mathematical model used in this study was coded in the GAMS 24.2.1 software. A hybrid GA-SA approach was also proposed for the solution of large instances. The relative Percentage Deviation performance index was utilized to evaluate the performance of the algorithm. According to the results, the hybrid technique developed, considering technical cell performance criteria together with worker skills, shows promising results from the standpoint of the considered objective and the computational time.

Keywords

• Cubic cell formation
• Quality index
• Hybrid GA-SA
• Cellular manufacturing systems

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