Simulation, Regression analysis for Consistent Decisions for FMS Scheduling

This paper attempts to establish a quantitative relationship between output indicators such as Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) utilization and input variables like part arrival rate, processing times at machining centers and various decision rules employed at AGV and Resources in a dynamic dedicated Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS). Dummy data are generated and the system is simulated to produce the output indicator for a given set of input variables and decision rules. The objective is to determine the nature of the functional relationship and the variables affecting the output performance measures of the FMS model and decision variables. These models can then predict the performance measures; also they are employed for optimization of system performance