ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an Integration of Process Planning and Scheduling (IPPS) approach that possesses the features of both, the Non-Linear Approach (NLA), as well as the Closed Loop Approach (CLA). It contains the Process Plan Selection Module (PPSM), Process Plan Modification Module (PPMM), Scheduling Module (SM), and Schedule Analysis Module (SAM). The proposed IPPS model uses simulation-based Genetic Algorithm (GA) to optimize the makespan performance. Also, the working of a heuristic for makespan has been discussed stepwise in order to clearly present the phenomenon of controlling the operation waiting time for the sake of reducing makespan performance measure. A case study of a job shop manufacturing system containing fifteen machines and six jobs has been considered to test the proposed IPPS model. The formalized IPPS methodology has been compared with the conventional manufacturing scenario in which both functions are carried out separately and only one process plan per part type is available to the scheduling department.
