Simultaneous route selection and cell formation: a mixed‐integer programming time‐cost model

Presents a mixed‐integer programme to simultaneously select part routeings and form machine cells in the presence of alternate process plans so that the total cost of operating and intercell material handling is minimized. Demand for parts, machine capacities, number of cells to be formed, and number of machines in a cell are included in the model. Includes an example to illustrate the solution technique of the problem of practical instance.