Multi-parallel work centers scheduling optimization with shared or dedicated resources in low-volume low-variety production systems

• Published in: Applied Mathematical Modelling Vol. 80; pp. 472 - 505
• Main Authors: Russell, Arya, Taghipour, Sharareh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Elsevier Inc 01.04.2020; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Aircraft; Budgets; Constraints; Delivery scheduling; Discrete time systems; Goal programming; Integer programming; Integers; Low-volume low-variety production systems; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Mathematical programming; Military aircraft; Military engineering; Military equipment; Optimization; Parallel work centers; Schedules; Scheduling; Scheduling optimization; Shared resources; Integer programming; Parallel work centers; Low-volume low-variety production systems; Shared resources; Scheduling optimization; Goal programming
• ISSN: 0307-904X; 1088-8691; 0307-904X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apm.2019.11.047

•Scheduling optimization of activities in low-volume low-variety production systems.•A novel multi-objective mixed-integer mathematical programming formulation.•Flexible mathematical model compatible to single or multi-parallel work centers with flexible resource profiles.•Multi-parallel work center scheduling problems with shared or dedicated resources.•Model validation through a real-world case study in the aerospace industry. A new methodology for modeling large-scale scheduling problems in low-volume low-variety production systems is proposed through this paper. Such scheduling problems are constrained by limited time and resources, where each work center is assigned a unique statement of work, to be completed on-time with the budgeted number of resources. Products assembled in low-volume low-variety production systems are processed through a series of stations referred to as work centers, where varying levels and classifications of resources are deployed onto the product. Aircraft, heavy aero-structures, and heavy military equipment are examples of products assembled in low-volume low-variety production systems. To ensure products are delivered on-time and on-budget, it is crucial to execute to a detailed schedule, such that all precedence, resource, zonal, and other constraints and characteristics inherent in such production systems are successfully satisfied. Despite the criticality of detailed schedules in delivering products on-time and on-budget, limited research is reported on mixed-integer programming approaches for scheduling optimization of activities in low-volume low-variety production systems. The discrete-time linear mixed-integer mathematical programming model developed in this paper fills the gap in the current literature with a direct impact on the organizations’ service levels and bottom line. The proposed mathematical programming models are validated through a real-world case-study of the assembly process of a narrow body aircraft to ensure compatibility in the modeling of large-scale industrial problems.