A linear assignment algorithm for formation of machine cells and part families in cellular manufacturing

This paper presents a linear assignment algorithm for machine-cell and part-family formation to design cellular manufacturing systems. The present approach begins with the determination of part-family or machine-cell representatives by means of comparing similarity coefficients between parts or machines and finding a set of the least similar parts of machines. Using the group representatives and associated similarity coefficients, a linear assignment model is formulated for solving the formation problem by allocating the remaining parts or machines and maximizing a similarity index. Based on the formulated linear assignment model, a group formation algorithm is developed.