Heuristic Approach

Abstract

A heuristic approach obtains solutions via exploration of possibilities rather than following a set of rules or algorithms to solve a problem. Solutions obtained by rules or algorithms are generally prescriptive by nature and are not flexible enough; a heuristic approach on the other hand provides an opportunity to explore various possibilities. In the manufacturing environment there is a need to manufacture many different types of forms and because the volumes also differ there are often many processes involved and they have to be carried out cost effectively, a heuristic approach therefore becomes particularly attractive in such settings. The process planner often knows the alternatives but the state of art is such that it is often not so easy to translate them into detailed cost. In the manufacturing environment issues arise almost instantaneously, for example a process machinery breaks down and an alternative routing is required to continue the production, this involves technology and cost assessments and they need to be done rapidly, a methodology that can help meet this need would be a valuable aid for the process planner.