AGV Dispatching Strategy Based on Theory of Constraints

Based on theory of constraints, according to bottleneck machine in production system and its buffer status, using buffer initiated task assignment, presented the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) dispatching strategy driven by bottleneck machine. Ensured bottleneck machine gather with the practical production load of machine and production assignment in system, and assigned relevant AGV to transport material for bottleneck machine of starvation and blocking preferentially according to the relation of its starvation and blocking time and transport time of free AGV. It makes bottleneck machine work fully without starvation and blocking. System simulation testifies this dispatching could reduce work-in-process inventory and increase system productivity.