The classification of FMS scheduling problems

SUMMARY This paper proposes a classification scheme for scheduling problems in flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) based on an analysis and discussion of scheduling decisions in an FMS. The classification scheme attempts for the first time to identify and describe all the major factors which affect the modelling of, and the solution to, FMS scheduling problems. It provides a systematic framework for the description and the analysis of FMS scheduling problems and for the development, evaluation and comparison of FMS scheduling approaches. Examples are given to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed scheme.