A fuzzy system for package shipment selection for electronic systems

The last stage of any type of manufacturing industry, is the packaging for shipment. Manufactured items can come in multiple sizes, weights, and sensitivity to shipment hazards. Yet, the number of standard packaging methods, such as cardboard box sizes or plastic-wrapping bags is limited. Thus, before the shipping of any type of products to their final destination, suitable packages have to be selected. Failure to select the best package for the shipment, may induce additional shipment costs or the possibility of shipping damage. Motorola Arad is the manufacturer of a large variety of electronic systems for Motorola, Inc. It has to handle many types of shipment orders each week. A prototype expert system was implemented, which uses fuzzy rules and fuzzy variables to recommend the best packaging method for each item and each shipment. Utilizing the fuzzy expert system resulted in significant decrease in the packaging volumes and packaging costs.