New Approaches in Solving Machine-Part Grouping Problems

Abstract

Machine-part grouping problems arise in a production plant when forming a new production system or reorganizing an existing one. Application of Group Technology principles can help in finding the optimal layout and manufacturing system. In order to satisfy the basic principle similar things should be done similarly parts are assigned to different families based on their processing requirements and machines are separated into groups to process specific part families. The machine-part cell formation problem is a widely researched area and numerous algorithms have been developed to solve it. This paper provides a survey of the latest results related to clustering methods, artificial intelligence approaches and some mathematical techniques. In addition an abstract algebraic method based on the theory of concept lattices is also outlined.