A real time production sequencing rule for machines of a FMS using fuzzy logic

Several techniques have been used for the determination of a good sequencing of parts that are stored in queues waiting for to be processed. These techniques aim to improve the use of factory´s resources, to increase the productivity, to decrease the lead time, to maintain the delivery data, etc. In this context, this work presents a technique that uses fuzzy logic to set the best sequence of parts to be processed. The decision of which part will be the next to be processed should take into account some criteria that influences the performance of the FMS. In order to test and validate the proposed approach, a shop floor was tested using the fuzzy system and also a FIFO rule to be compared.