Integrating fuzzy case-based reasoning and discrete-event simulation to develop a decision support system for part-fixture assignment and fixture flow control

Purpose: This study aims to propose a decision support system (DSS) that performs a decision-based part-fixture assignment and fixture flow control in planned production periods. Design/methodology/approach: The principal approaches were fuzzy case-based reasoning (FCBR) and discrete-event simulation (DES). Besides, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), an object-oriented (OO) method and a fuzzy weighted Euclidean distance were used to support the decision-making process. Findings: It shows that integrating FCBR and DES systems is a promising approach to address part-fixture planning problems. The FCBR subsystem proposed various stable numbers of fixtures as scenarios. The DES model analyzed the future performances of these scenarios and identified the best alternative. Research limitations/implications: The DSS was tested in laboratory environments using a numerical analysis; however, it was not validated in industrial situations. Originality/value: The synergy of integrating FCBR and DES systems was not exploited in the past in part-fixture assignment and fixture flow control problems.