Experimental investigation of an FMS due-date scheduling problem: Evaluation of machine and AGV scheduling rules

Although extensive research has been conducted to solve design and operational problems of automated manufacturing systems, many of the problems still remain unsolved. This article investigates the scheduling problems of flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs). Specifically, the relative performances of machine and automated guided vehicle (AGV) scheduling rules are analyzed against various due-date criteria. First, the relevant literature is briefly reviewed, and then the rules are tested under different experimental conditions by using a simulation model of an FMS. The sensitivity to AGV workload, buffer capacity, and processing-time distribution is also investigated to assess the robustness of the scheduling rules.