Transfer batch size impact on a job shop environment performance

Lot streaming is an operational scheduling technique which allows overlapping between successive operations because of the frequent transport of transfer batches smaller than the process lot. This study aims to statistically evaluate the lot streaming impact on the dependent variables makespan and idle capacity of resources in a job shop, taking into account transportation activities. Four lot streaming policies for different demand scenarios and different products mixes are analyzed. This problem is formulated by mixed integer linear programming and solved in GAMS. Finally, statistical analysis shows the benefit on the system performance by applying this technique.(Received 14 October 2016; Accepted 09 February 2017)