Improving the performances of part dispatching based on multiple process plans using graph theory

An intrinsic characteristic for manufacturing a part is the existence of diverse processing routes. In this paper, we deal with the improvement of part dispatching performance based on the availability of multiple process plans of a machined part. Procedures to represent multiple process plans with a graphic representation are developed so as to facilitate the utilization of process plans. We propose a simulation model to test the impacts of multiple process plans on the performances of real time scheduling. The study shows that by applying the simulation model to multiple processes in the manufacturing of machined parts, the flexibility of the manufacturing system can be increased; the total production flow time can be reduced; and the efficient utilization of production resources is improved.