Abstract
In this paper, we consider the problem of buffer space allocation for a tandem production line with unreliable machines. This problem has various formulations all aiming to answer the question: how much buffer storage to allocate between the processing stations? Many authors use the knapsack-type formulation of this problem. We investigate the problem with a broader statement. The criterion depends on the average steady-state production rate of the line and the buffer equipment acquisition cost. We evaluate black-box complexity of this problem and propose a hybrid optimization algorithm (HBBA), combining the genetic and branch-and-bound approaches. HBBA is excellent in computational time. HBBA uses a Markov model aggregation technique for goal function evaluation. Nevertheless, HBBA is more general and can be used with other production rate evaluation techniques.
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Dolgui, A., Eremeev, A.V. & Sigaev, V.S. HBBA: hybrid algorithm for buffer allocation in tandem production lines. J Intell Manuf 18, 411–420 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10845-007-0030-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10845-007-0030-z