Multivariate analysis model for machine-part cell formation problem in group technology

The principal objective of this article is to formulate a multivariate analysis model to generate optimal machine cells and part families in GT problems. The algorithm is carried out in three stages. The double centering matrix for similarity of machines and parts is used as similarity coefficient matrix. A quantification method is applied to find the eigenvalues and eigenvectors on the double centering matrix. Cluster analysis is applied to make part families and machines groups while minimizing the distance of eigenvectors. A numerical example for the design of cell structures is provided. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.