Multi-objective flow shop batch scheduling with separable processing time and setup time under parallel-sequence-transfer mode

A multi-objective flow shop batch scheduling problem with separable processing time and setup time under parallel-sequence-transfer mode is researched in detail. A multi-objective decision-making model based on the lexicographic rank method that regards the total number of equipment shutdown, the makespan of batch jobs and the total number of handling batch jobs as the first, second and third decision-making objectives respectively is formulated. An optimal scheduling scheme of batch jobs can be determined by using this multi-objective making-decision model. The processing and setup times' models of parallel-sequence-transfer mode are proposed. Not only the makespan of batch jobs can be calculated but also the production planning and scheduling for the optimal scheduling scheme of batch jobs can be arranged by using this time model. A tabu search algorithm for the flow shop batch scheduling with separable processing time and setup time under parallel-sequence-transfer mode is presented and designed to deal with this problem. The results show that the methods proposed in this paper could select an optimal scheduling scheme for bacth jobs in the flow shop of batch production with separable processing time and setup time under parallel-sequence-transfer mode and arrange a production planning for the processing of batch jobs and setup of manufacturing equipment accurately.