Flexible flow shop scheduling with interval grey processing time

Purpose - purpose of this paper is providing a solution for flexible flow shop scheduling problem with uncertain processing time in aeronautical composite lay-up workshop. Design/methodology/approach - A flexible flow scheduling model and algorithm with interval grey processing time is established. First, according to actual needs of composite laminate shop scheduling process, interval grey number is used to represent uncertain processing time, and interval grey processing time measurement method, grey number calculation and comparison rules, grey Gantt chart, and other methods are further applied. Then a flexible flow shop scheduling model with interval grey processing time (G-FFSP) is established, and an artificial bee colony algorithm based on an adaptive neighbourhood search strategy is designed to solve the model. Finally, six examples are generated for simulation scheduling, and the efficiency and performance of the model and algorithm are evaluated by comparing the results. Findings - Results show that flexible flow shop scheduling model and algorithm with interval grey processing time can provide an optimal solution for composite lay-up shop scheduling problems and other similar flow shop scheduling problems. Social implications - Uncertain processing time is common in flexible workshop manufacturing, and manual scheduling greatly restricts the production efficiency of workshop. In this paper, combined with grey system theory, an intelligent algorithm is used to solve flexible flow shop scheduling problem to promote intelligent and efficient production of enterprises. Originality/value - This paper applies and perfects interval grey processing time measurement method, grey number calculation and comparison rules, grey Gantt chart and other methods. Aflexible flow shop scheduling model with interval grey processing time is established, and an artificial bee colony algorithm with an adaptive domain search strategy is designed. It provides a comprehensive solution for flexible flow shop scheduling with uncertain processing time.