Capacity utilization and machine sharing in a group technology based manufacturing system

Each cell in a group technology-based manufacturing system can be assumed as being comprised of two categories of machine types: (a) Dedicated to the cell, (b) Shared by other cells. The shared machine types constitute the major problem in the implementation of a cellular manufacturing system. This paper demonstrates, using a hypothetical case study, a mathematical programming formulation that exploits the existence of shared machine types in a cellular manufacturing system. Part transfer for the parts whose output levels are restricted by available capacity or shared machine types can be found which will minimize the material handling penalties.