This paper develops strategies to control picker blocking that challenge the traditional assumptions regarding the tradeoffs between wide- and narrow-aisle order picking systems. We propose an integrated batching and sequencing procedure called the indexed batching model (IBM), with the...

This paper proposes to use Muther’s systematic layout planning procedure as the infrastructure to solve a fab layout design problem. A multiple objective decision making tool, analytic hierarchy process, is then proposed to evaluate the design alternatives. The proposed procedure is...

The simulation model is a proven tool in solving nonlinear and stochastic problems and allows examination of the likely behavior of a proposed manufacturing system under selected conditions. However, it does not provide a method for optimization. A practical problem often embodies many...

Dispatching rules are important to the performance of a manufacturing system. Selective applications of different priority rules at different processing stages in a multiple workstation manufacturing system have a positive impact on shop performance. This type of problem is a combinatorial...

This study explores two multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) methods to solve a dynamic operator allocation problem. Both methods use an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to determine attribute weights a priori. The first method uses a technique for order preference by similarity to ideal...