Optimization model and simulation-based solution for a class of crane scheduling problems

We deal with a crane scheduling problem in manufacturing systems of the job shop type where semi-products are picked up and delivered by using one of the cranes equipped between the facilities such as machines and buffers, and propose a simulation-based solution by adopting the metaheuristic methods. First, an optimization model of the problem is formulated. Then, on the basis of the model, a solution in which a metaheuristics-based procedure for seeking the optimal or semi-optimal schedules is combined with a simulation procedure for evaluating a tentative decision is newly designed. Finally, through some computational experiments with a practical example, the effectiveness and the potential of the proposed approach are investigated.