IMPLEMENTING FLEXIBLE AUTOMATION - A MULTIPLE CRITERIA DECISION-MAKING APPROACH

This paper presents a multiple objective mixed integer linear programm ing model for the multiperiod flexible automation selection problem. T he model includes five objectives, designed to address financial aspec ts, flexibility, firm disruption, and group homogeneity of new modules . The proposed model incorporates several types of flexibility. An int eractive multiple criteria solution procedure is used to obtain an app roximate optimal solution, based on a decision maker's implicit and un known value function. The solution provides schedule for replacement o f current machines, implementation of new modules, and production plan s capitalizing on flexibility during transition and subsequent periods . A numerical example is provided to illustrate the approach. The opti mal solution is then contrasted with that of a single-objective model.