A sheep flock heredity algorithm for optimum design of ladder layout with integrated scheduling: An approach of metaheuristic

Flexibility is a crucial element which is to be played in layout pattern design within manufacturing organizations. In such situations, dealing with multi-objective logical and optimization problems is, normally, a very complex issue. In this paper, authors proposes an evolutionary algorithms such as sheep flock heredity algorithm(SFHA) and differential evolution (DE) for solving FMS layout problems in batch scheduling environment. The authors focused on dual objective optimization of which primary objective is concerned with the flexible batch (FBSP) scheduling problem, the next objective focused on Ladder Layout problems in which determination of the ordering of machines with in slots of ladder to minimize total transportation cost and manufacturing lead time of jobs on machines. The performance of the algorithm (SFHA and DE) is verified by benchmark problems. Finally, it is concluded that SFHA provides optimum results when compared with DE.