Integrated process planning and scheduling - multi-agent system with ant algorithm

Abstract

In this paper, an ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm is implemented in a multi-agent system (MAS) to accomplish integrated process planning and scheduling (IPPS) in the jobshop type of flexible manufacturing environments. Traditionally, process planning and scheduling functions are performed sequentially and the actual status of the production facilities is not considered in either process planning or scheduling. IIPPS is to combine both the process planning and scheduling problems in the consideration, that is, the actual process plan and the schedule are determined dynamically in accordance with the order details and the status of the manufacturing system. The ACO algorithm will be able to support dynamic process planning, scheduling and rescheduling. Performance of the combined approach of ACO algorithm and MAS will be evaluated according to different criteria including makespan, tardiness, and machine utilization.