A multisolution method for cell formation—Exploring practical alternatives in group technology manufacturing

An approach based on the decision makerʹs judgment is proposed by furnishing multiple solutions of part-family and machine-cell formation of a cellular manufacturing system. The reason for relying on the judgment of the decision-maker is due to the complexity and the many constraints encountered in practice. Some examples of these practical constraints are workload balancing, ill-defined systems, the existence of exceptional elements, and the presence of the various uncertain factors in the system. The basic approach is based on the concept of nearest-neighborhood between machines and parts. The procedure, which can be used to identify multiple grouping patterns of machines and parts, consists of two algorithms: grouping and branching, association, and combining. Numerical examples are provided, especially for ill-structured problems, to illustrate the approach.