An AHP-based decision-making tool for the solution of multiproduct batch plant design problem under imprecise demand

This paper addresses the problem of the optimal design of batch plants with imprecise demands in product amounts. The design of such plants necessarily involves the way that equipment may be utilized, which means that plant scheduling and production must form an integral part of the design problem....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Computers & operations research 2009-03, Vol.36 (3), p.711-736
Main Authors: Aguilar-Lasserre, Alberto A., Bautista Bautista, Marco A., Ponsich, Antonin, González Huerta, Magno A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analytic hierarchy process (AHP)
Applied sciences
Assembly lines
Batch plant design
Decision making
Decision support systems
Decision theory. Utility theory
Design optimization
Exact sciences and technology
Fuzzy arithmetic
Fuzzy logic
Genetic Algorithm
Genetic algorithms
Hierarchies
Mathematical programming
Multi-objective optimization
Multiple criteria decision making
Operational research and scientific management
Operational research. Management science
Studies
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Summary:This paper addresses the problem of the optimal design of batch plants with imprecise demands in product amounts. The design of such plants necessarily involves the way that equipment may be utilized, which means that plant scheduling and production must form an integral part of the design problem. This work relies on a previous study, which proposed an alternative treatment of the imprecision (demands) by introducing fuzzy concepts, embedded in a multi-objective Genetic Algorithm (GA) that takes into account simultaneously maximization of the net present value ( NPV) and two other performance criteria, i.e. the production delay/advance and a flexibility criterion. The results showed that an additional interpretation step might be necessary to help the managers choosing among the non-dominated solutions provided by the GA. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is a strategy commonly used in Operations Research for the solution of this kind of multicriteria decision problems, allowing the apprehension of manager subjective judgments. The major aim of this study is thus to propose a software integrating the AHP theory for the analysis of the GA Pareto-optimal solutions, as an alternative decision-support tool for the batch plant design problem solution.
ISSN:0305-0548
1873-765X
0305-0548
DOI:10.1016/j.cor.2007.10.029