A linear optimization approach to the heterogeneous r-cyclic hoist scheduling problem

• Operations research: deterministic models.
• Production planning and scheduling.
• Linear modeling and simulation.
• Manufacturing.

The cyclic hoist scheduling problem is encountered in electroplating facilities, when mass production is required. This class of problems is a branch stemming from the Hoist Scheduling Problem (HSP) where automatic hoist is used for moving electroplates through chemical baths. A repetitive sequence of moves is searched for the hoist in cyclic schedule. To minimize the cycle time of r different part-jobs, we propose a linear optimization approach. An illustrative example is given in order to show some feedback of our exact solving method. Afterward, two comparisons are presented: firstly, between a two 1-cycle homogenous schedule and a 2-cycle heterogeneous part-job and secondly, between 2-cycle and 4-cycle heterogeneous part-job. These comparisons show how, by considering r-cyclic scheduling, we can optimize the cycle length considerably and then the throughput rate of the electroplating line.