Stable real-time multimodel scheduling for flexible manufacturing systems

Two multimodel scheduling policies for single machine flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) are developed. The policies are distinguished according to whether a single part type (PT) or a set of PTs is to be processed by a server into distinct models based on the input PT. No precedence relationships between PTs or models are considered. The policies are nonpreemptive, allow for a class of model processing failure, and are proven to maintain prescribed buffer bounds. A 2/sup 5/ factorial simulation study is included to illustrate the system response when varying fundamental FMS parameters. From the simulation experiments, it was found that a varying setup excerpts the most significant effect on the considered set of response measures.