Two-machine flowshop scheduling problems involving a batching machine with transportation or deterioration consideration

This paper considers two scheduling problems for a two-machine flowshop where a single machine is followed by a batching machine. The first problem is that there is a transporter to carry the jobs between machines. The second problem is that there are deteriorating jobs to be processed on the single machine. For the first problem with minimizing the makespan, we formulate it as a mixed integer programming model and then prove that it is strongly NP-hard. A heuristic algorithm is proposed for solving this problem and its worst case performance is analyzed. The computational experiments are carried out and the numerical results show that the heuristic algorithm is effective. For the second problem, we derive the optimal algorithms with polynomial time for minimizing the makespan, the total completion time and the maximum lateness, respectively.     

A hybrid two-stage transportation and batch scheduling problem

We study the coordinated scheduling problem of hybrid batch production on a single batching machine and two-stage transportation connecting the production, where there is a crane available in the first-stage transportation that transports jobs from the warehouse to the machine and there is a vehicle available in the second-stage transportation to deliver jobs from the machine to the customer. As the job to be carried out is big and heavy in the steel industry, it is reasonable assumed that both the crane and the vehicle have unit capacity. The batching machine processes a batch of jobs simultaneously. Each batch occur a setup cost. The objective is to minimize the sum of the makespan and the total setup cost. We prove that this problem is strongly NP-hard. A polynomial time algorithm is proposed for a case where the job transportation times are identical on the crane or the vehicle. An efficient heuristic algorithm for the general problem is constructed and its tight worst-case bound is analyzed. In order to further verify the performance of the proposed heuristics, we develop a lower bound on the optimal objective function. Computational experiments show that the heuristic algorithm performs well on randomly generated problem instances.     

A heuristic for scheduling in a two-stage hybrid flowshop with renewable resources shared among the stages

In this paper we propose a heuristic for solving the problem of resource constrained preemptive scheduling in the two-stage flowshop with one machine at the first stage and parallel unrelated machines at the second stage, where renewable resources are shared among the stages, so some quantities of the same resource can be used at different stages at the same time. Availability of every resource at any moment is limited and resource requirements of jobs are arbitrary. The objective is minimization of makespan. The problem is NP-hard. The heuristic first sequences jobs on the machine at stage 1 and then solves the preemptive scheduling problem at stage 2. Priority rules which depend on processing times and resource requirements of jobs are proposed for sequencing jobs at stage 1. A column generation algorithm which involves linear programming, a tabu search algorithm and a greedy procedure is proposed to minimize the makespan at stage 2. A lower bound on the optimal makespan in which sharing of the resources between the stages is taken into account is also derived. The performance of the heuristic evaluated experimentally by comparing the solutions to the lower bound is satisfactory.     

Single-machine and two-machine flowshop scheduling with general learning functions

We show that the O(n log n) (where n is the number of jobs) shortest processing time (SPT) sequence is optimal for the single-machine makespan and total completion time minimization problems when learning is expressed as a function of the sum of the processing times of the already processed jobs. We then show that the two-machine flowshop makespan and total completion time minimization problems are solvable by the SPT sequencing rule when the job processing times are ordered and job-position-based learning is in effect. Finally, we show that when the more specialized proportional job processing times are in place, then our flowshop results apply also in the more general sum-of-job-processing-times-based learning environment.     

On-line scheduling on a batch processing machine with unbounded batch size to minimize the makespan

We present on-line algorithms to minimize the makespan on a single batch processing machine. We consider a parallel batching machine that can process up to b jobs simultaneously. Jobs in the same batch complete at the same time. Such a model of a batch processing machine has been motivated by burn-in ovens in final testing stage of semiconductor manufacturing. We deal with the on-line scheduling problem when jobs arrive over time. We consider a set of independent jobs. Their number is not known in advance. Each job is available at its release date and its processing requirement is not known in advance. This general problem with infinite machine capacity is noted 1∣p − batch, r_j, b = ∞∣C_max. Deterministic algorithms that do not insert idle-times in the schedule cannot be better than 2-competitive and a simple rule based on LPT achieved this bound [Z. Liu, W. Yu, Scheduling one batch processor subject to job release dates, Discrete Applied Mathematics 105 (2000) 129–136]. If we are allowed to postpone start of jobs, the performance guarantee can be improved to 1.618. We provide a simpler proof of this best known lower bound for bounded and unbounded batch sizes. We then present deterministic algorithms that are best possible for the problem with unbounded batch size (i.e., b = ∞) and agreeable processing times (i.e., there cannot exist an on-line algorithm with a better performance guarantee). We then propose another algorithm that leads to a best possible algorithm for the general problem with unbounded batch size. This algorithm improves the best known on-line algorithm (i.e. [G. Zhang, X. Cai, C.K. Wong, On-line algorithms for minimizing makespan on batch processing machines, Naval Research Logistics 48 (2001) 241–258]) in the sense that it produces a shortest makespan while ensuring the same worst-case performance guarantee.     

Using genetic algorithms for the coordinated scheduling problem of a batching machine and two-stage transportation

This paper considers a coordinated scheduling problem. For the first-stage transportation there is a crane available to transport the product from the warehouse to a batching machine. For the second-stage transportation there is a vehicle available to deliver the completed jobs from the machine shop floor to the customer. The coordinated scheduling problem of production and transportation deals with sequencing the transportation of the jobs and combining them into batches to be processed. The problem of minimizing the sum of the makespan and the total setup cost was proven by Tang and Gong [1] to be strongly NP-hard. This paper proposes two genetic algorithm (GA) approaches for this scheduling problem, with different result representations. The experimental results demonstrate that a regular GA and a modified GA (MGA) can find near-optimal solutions within an acceptable amount of computational time. Among the two proposed metaheuristic approaches, the MGA is superior to the GA both in terms of computing time and the quality of the solution.     

A bicriteria flowshop scheduling with a learning effect

In many situations, a worker’s ability improves as a result of repeating the same or similar tasks; this phenomenon is known as the learning effect. In this paper the learning effect is considered in a two-machine flowshop. The objective is to find a sequence that minimizes a weighted sum of total completion time and makespan. Total completion time and makespan are widely used performance measures in scheduling literature. To solve this scheduling problem, an integer programming model with n² + 6n variables and 7n constraints where n is the number of jobs is formulated. Because of the lengthy computing time and high computing complexity of the integer programming model, the problem with up to 30 jobs can be solved. A heuristic algorithm and a tabu search based heuristic algorithm are presented to solve large size problems. Experimental results show that the proposed heuristic methods can solve this problem with up to 300 jobs rapidly. According to the best of our knowledge, no work exists on the bicriteria flowshop with a learning effect.     

Single-machine batch scheduling minimizing weighted flow times and delivery costs

This paper addresses scheduling a set of jobs on a single machine for delivery in batches to one customer or to another machine for further processing. The problem is a natural extension of that of minimising the sum of weighted flow times, considering the possibility of delivering jobs in batches and introducing batch delivery costs. The scheduling objective adopted is that of minimising the sum of weighted flow times and delivery costs. The extended problem arises in the context of coordination between machine scheduling and a distribution system in a supply chain network. Structural properties of the problem are investigated and used to devise a branch-and-bound solution method. For the special case, when the maximum number of batches is fixed, the branch-and-bound scheme provided shows significant improvements over an existing dynamic-programming algorithm.     

A branch-and-bound algorithm for single-machine scheduling with batch delivery minimizing flow times and delivery costs

This paper addresses scheduling a set of jobs on a single machine for delivery in batches to customers or to other machines for further processing. The problem is a natural extension of minimizing the sum of flow times by considering the possibility of delivering jobs in batches and introducing batch delivery costs. The scheduling objective adopted is that of minimizing the sum of flow times and delivery costs. The extended problem arises in the context of coordination between machine scheduling and a distribution system in a supply chain network. Structural properties of the problem are investigated and used to devise a branch-and-bound solution scheme. Computational experiments show significant improvements over an existing dynamic programming algorithm.     

Group-shop scheduling with sequence-dependent set-up and transportation times

This paper considers a group-shop scheduling problem (GSSP) with sequence-dependent set-up times (SDSTs) and transportation times. The GSSP provides a general formulation including the job-shop and the open-shop scheduling problems. The consideration of set-up and transportation times is among the most realistic assumptions made in the field of scheduling. In this paper, we study the GSSP with transportation and anticipatory SDSTs, where jobs are released at different times and there are several transporters to carry jobs. The objective is to find a job schedule that minimizes the makespan, that is, the time at which all jobs are completed and transported to the warehouse (or to the customer). The problem is formulated as a disjunctive programming problem and then prepared in a form of mixed integer linear programming (MILP). Due to the non-deterministic polynomial-time hardness (NP-hardness) of the GSSP, large instances cannot be optimally solved in a reasonable amount of time. Therefore, a genetic algorithm (GA) hybridized with an active schedule generator is proposed to tackle large-sized instances. Both Baldwinian and Lamarckian versions of the proposed hybrid algorithm are then implemented and evaluated through computational experiments.     

Improved MILP models for two-machine flowshop with batch processing machines

In this paper, we consider the problem of scheduling jobs in a flowshop with two batch processing machines such that the makespan is minimized. Batch processing machines are frequently encountered in many industrial environments such as heat treatment operations in a steel foundry and chemical processes performed in tanks or kilns. Improved Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) models are presented for the flowshop problem with unlimited or zero intermediate storage. An MILP-based heuristic is also developed for the problem. Computational experiments show that the new MILP models can significantly improve the original ones. Also, the heuristic can obtain the optimal solutions for all the test problem instances.     

A Mixed Integer Linear Programming model for simultaneous design and scheduling of flowshop plants

Models representing batch plants, especially flowshop facilities where all the products require the same processing sequence, have received much attention in the last decades. In particular, plant design and production scheduling have been addressed as disconnected problems due to the tremendous combinatory complexity associated to their simultaneous optimization. This paper develops a model for both design and scheduling of flowshop batch plants considering mixed product campaign and parallel unit duplication. Thus, a realistic formulation is attained, where industrial and commercial aspects are jointly taken into account. The proposed approach is formulated as a Mixed Integer Linear Programming model that determines the number of units per stages, unit and batch sizes and batch sequencing in each unit in order to fulfill the demand requirements at minimum investment cost. A set of novel constraints is proposed where the number of batches of each product in the campaign is an optimization variable. The approach performance is evaluated through several numerical examples.     

Notes on “A bicriteria flowshop scheduling with a learning effect”

The aim of this paper is to point out that the integer programming model proposed by Eren and Güner [T. Eren, E. Güner, A bicriteria flowshop scheduling with a learning effect, Applied Mathematical Modelling 32 (2008) 1719–1733] is incorrect. We propose a mixed 0–1 programming model for the same scheduling problem based on their model.     

工件满足一致性的同类机在线分批排序问题

研究了工件满足一致性,批容量无界的两台同类机在线分批排序问题,目标为极小化工件的最大完工时间和极小化工件的最大流程时间,三元素法分别表示为Q_2|r_ir_j?p_i≤p_j,B=∞, on-line|C_(max),Q_2|r_ir_j?p_i≥p_j,B=∞, on-line|F_(max).不失一般性,假设第一台机器速度为1,第二台机器速度为s,s≥1.对于上述两类问题设计了一个在线算法,并分析了算法竞争比的上界.对第一类问题该在线算法的竞争比不超过s+α,这里α为α~2+sα-1=0的正根,特别地,当s=1时,该算法的竞争比不超过1.618.对第二类排序问题,该在线算法的竞争比不超过1+1/α.     

Single machine scheduling problems with controllable processing times and total absolute differences penalties

In this paper, we consider single machine scheduling problem in which job processing times are controllable variables with linear costs. We concentrate on two goals separately, namely, minimizing a cost function containing total completion time, total absolute differences in completion times and total compression cost; minimizing a cost function containing total waiting time, total absolute differences in waiting times and total compression cost. The problem is modelled as an assignment problem, and thus can be solved with the well-known algorithms. For the case where all the jobs have a common difference between normal and crash processing time and an equal unit compression penalty, we present an O(n log n) algorithm to obtain the optimal solution.     

Approximation algorithms for two-machine flow shop scheduling with batch setup times

In many practical situations, batching of similar jobs to avoid setups is performed while constructing a schedule. This paper addresses the problem of non-preemptively scheduling independent jobs in a two-machine flow shop with the objective of minimizing the makespan. Jobs are grouped into batches. A sequence independent batch setup time on each machine is required before the first job is processed, and when a machine switches from processing a job in some batch to a job of another batch. Besides its practical interest, this problem is a direct generalization of the classical two-machine flow shop problem with no grouping of jobs, which can be solved optimally by Johnson's well-known algorithm. The problem under investigation is known to be NP-hard. We propose two O(n logn) time heuristic algorithms. The first heuristic, which creates a schedule with minimum total setup time by forcing all jobs in the same batch to be sequenced in adjacent positions, has a worst-case performance ratio of 3/2. By allowing each batch to be split into at most two sub-batches, a second heuristic is developed which has an improved worst-case performance ratio of 4/3. © 1998 The Mathematical Programming Society, Inc. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.     

On-line scheduling on a batch machine to minimize makespan with limited restarts

We study the on-line scheduling on an unbounded batch machine to minimize makespan. In this model, jobs arrive over time and batches are allowed limited restarts. Any batch that contains a job which has already been restarted once cannot be restarted any more. We provide a best possible on-line algorithm for the problem with a competitive ratio .     

Heuristics for a two-stage hybrid flowshop scheduling problem with ready times and a product-mix ratio constraint

This paper focuses on the scheduling problem of minimizing makespan for a given set of jobs in a two-stage hybrid flowshop subject to a product-mix ratio constraint. There are identical parallel machines at the first stage of the hybrid flowshop, while there is a single batch-processing machine at the second stage. Ready times of the jobs (at the first stage) may be different, and a given product-mix ratio of job types should be kept in each batch at the second stage. We present three types of heuristic algorithms: forward scheduling algorithms, backward scheduling algorithms, and iterative algorithms. To evaluate performance of the suggested algorithms, a series of computational experiments are performed on randomly generated test problems and results are reported.