Scheduling and Control Modeling of HVLV Systems Using Max-Plus Algebra

The High-Variety, Low-Volume (HVLV) scheduling problem is one of the most arduous and combinatorial optimization problems. This paper presents an analytical scheduling model using a tropical algebra called (max,+) algebra. The aim is to find an allocation for each operation and to define the sequence of operations on each machine, so that the resulting schedule has a minimal completion time and the due dates of the different jobs (products) are met such that a Just-In-Time (JIT) production will be satisfied. To generate feasible schedules, decision variables are introduced in the model. The algebraic model developed in this work describes the discontinuous operations aspect of HVLV systems as Discrete Event Dynamic Systems (DEDS). It is non-linear in the sense of (max,+) algebra. The focus of this research concerns the development of a static scheduling approach for deterministic and not-decision-free HVLV manufacturing systems. Firstly, using (max, +) algebra, a direct generation of event-timing equations for deterministic and not-decision free HVLV systems is obtained. Then, a non-linear optimization problem in (max, +) algebra is solved. Finally, the validity of the proposed approach is illustrated by simulation examples.