A methodology to design virtual cellular manufacturing systems

• Published in: Journal of intelligent manufacturing Vol. 22; no. 4; pp. 533 - 544
• Main Authors: Khilwani, Nitesh, Ulutas, Berna H., Islier, A. Attila, Tiwari, M. K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 01-08-2011; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Analysis; Business and Management; Cells; Control; Industrial engineering; Intelligent systems; Machines; Manufacturing; Manufacturing cells; Mathematical models; Mechatronics; Processes; Product mixes; Production; Robotics; Studies; Virtualization; Cell formation problem; Similarity index; Virtual cells; Quick response manufacturing
• ISSN: 0956-5515; 1572-8145
• DOI: 10.1007/s10845-009-0314-6

Virtual Cellular Manufacturing System is a new type of cellular system that emerged as a promising alternative for designing cells in real time. The problem is complex and time consuming NP-hard problem in its nature. This study was conducted to design virtual cells that maximizes similarity index and minimizes lead time. A mathematical model and an effective solution procedure were proposed. Several randomly generated data sets were used along a case study to test the performance of the proposed approach. The effects of inherent parameters of virtual systems were investigated and compared by using particular performance measures.