Simulation study of sequencing heuristics in a cellular flexible assembly system with hybrid order shipment environments

In this study, computer simulation is used to analyze the performance of order-input sequencing heuristics in a cellular flexible assembly system (CFAS) with hybrid order shipment environments. The CFAS produces low-volume, large products in response to customer orders. In hybrid order shipment environments, some customers permit early shipments and the others forbid early shipments. This study examines two types of heuristics: two-stage (group scheduling) heuristics and single-stage heuristics. The results of the paired t-test analysis show that the two-stage heuristics outperform the single-stage heuristics under each experimental condition for each measure. The superior performance of the two-stage heuristics is due to the reduction in major (or subfamily) setup times, The results also show that RPF (ratio of permitted to forbidden early shipments) significantly affects the performance of CFASs for the average time in system. Finally, the results can provide guidance for schedulers in the selection of preferable heuristics for relevant CFASs.