Multi-Criteria Optimization in Operations Scheduling Applying Selected Priority Rules

The utilization of a specific priority rule in scheduling operations in flexible job shop systems strongly influences production goals. In a context of production control in real practice, production performance indicators are evaluated always en bloc. This paper addresses the multi-criteria evaluating five selected conflicting production objectives via scalar simulation-based optimization related to applied priority rule. It is connected to the discrete-event simulation model of a flexible job shop system with partially interchangeable workplaces, and it investigates the impact of three selected priority rules—FIFO (First In First Out), EDD (Earliest Due Date), and STR (Slack Time Remaining). In the definition of the multi-criteria objective function, two scalarization methods—Weighted Sum Method and Weighted Product Method—are employed in the optimization model. According to the observations, EDD and STR priority rules outperformed the FIFO rule regardless of the type of applied multi-criteria method for the investigated flexible job shop system. The results of the optimization experiments also indicate that the evaluation via applying multi-criteria optimization is relevant for identifying effective solutions in the design space when the specific priority rule is applied in the scheduling operations.