Simulation-based optimisation using simulated annealing for crew allocation in the precast industry

Dr Ammar Al-Bazi*, Nashwan Dawood

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Numerous different combinations of crew alternatives can be deployed within a labour-intensive manufacturing industry. This can therefore often generate a large number of possible crew allocation plans. However, inappropriate selection of these allocation plans tends to lead to inefficient manufacturing processes and ultimately higher labour allocation costs. Thus, in order to reduce such costs, more allocation systems are required. The main aim of this study is to develop a simulation-based multi-layered simulated annealing system to solve crew allocation problems encountered in labour-intensive parallel repetitive manufacturing processes. The ‘multi-layered’ concept is introduced in response to the problem-solving requirements. As part of the methodology used, a process simulation model is developed to mimic a parallel repetitive processes layout. A simulated annealing module is proposed and embedded into the developed simulation model for a better search for solutions. Also, a multi-layered dynamic mutation operator is developed to add more randomness to the searching mechanism. A real industrial case study of a precast concrete manufacturing system is used to demonstrate the applicability and practicability of the developed system. The proposed system has the potential to produce more cost-effective allocation plans, through reducing process-waiting times as compared with real industrial-based plans.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)109-126
Number of pages18
JournalArchitectural Engineering and Design Management
Volume14
Issue number1-2
Early online date21 Apr 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Keywords

  • Simulated annealing
  • crew allocation
  • parallel repetitive processes
  • precast concrete industry
  • manufacturing simulation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Simulation-based optimisation using simulated annealing for crew allocation in the precast industry'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this