A heuristic approach to scheduling jobs in machining centres equipped with automated pallet changers. (1st January 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Diabat, Ali; Al-Araidah, Omar; Alsyouf, Imad; Duh, Camilla
• Is Part Of: International journal of advanced operations management. Volume 3:Number 3/4(2011)
• Page Start: 326
• Page End: 336
• Publication Date: 2011-01-01
• Subjects: machining centre -- automated pallet changer -- APC -- scheduling -- weighted tardiness; Business logistics -- Periodicals; Industrial management -- Periodicals; 658.5005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-938X

Abstract

We present a heuristic algorithm for scheduling jobs in a machining centre equipped with multiple-pallet automated pallet changers (APCs). The algorithm dynamically adjusts the number of pallets used and the priority of each job to minimise the total weighted tardiness. The algorithm was evaluated based on a study conducted at Växjöfabriken, a metal-casting company located in Växjö, Sweden. Results obtained from this study show more than a 40% reduction in the total weighted tardiness of the overall machining park.