Tabu search-based formation of reconfigurable manufacturing cells

In order to make manufacturing system to adapt to the rapidly changing global market environment, Reconfigurable Manufacturing Cells (RMCs) based on balanced distribution of machines function were presented. Firstly, Similarity Coefficient Method (SCM) was used to cluster some parts to form part families which are the foundation of RMC. Then, a mathematical optimization model was set based on the workshop layout whose functional characteristics are balanced distribution. Tabu Search (TS) algorithm was designed to solve the selection problem of process routes. In the algorithm, a recycled search method was used to generate an initial feasible solution, and then the method of swapping adjacent elements was used to generate neighborhoods. Finally, software MATLAB was used to realize the algorithm, and a case study of simulation was used to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the algorithm.