CLASSIFICATION AND REVIEW OF FMS SCHEDULING PROCEDURES

In this paper, existing flexible manufacturing system (FMS) scheduling procedures are classified and reviewed. First, a classification scheme is provided that is based on key factors such as the FMS type, the mode of system operation, the nature of the demands placed on the system, the scheduling environment, and the responsiveness of the system to disturbances. The choice of appropriate scheduling criteria is discussed. Differences between conventional job shops and FMSs, and the effects of these differences on potential scheduling procedures are provided. The classification, comparisons, and FMS scheduling reviews aim to be useful to vendors, users, and researchers. We point out specific areas which appear to have been overlooked. Future research directions are also indicated.