Optimal workload allocation between a job shop and an FMS

Assuming given production requirements for a set of part types, we examine the question of how these production requirements can be assigned to differ ent, alternative routes through two production systems, a flexible manufact uring system, and a conventional job shop. Several nonlinear optimization m odels are proposed in order to optimize performance parameters like through put, work-in-process inventory, utilization, and manufacturing lead time, T he models incorporate product form queueing network theory in order to eval uate system performance and extend results based on linear programming form ulations. The solution procedures are based on decomposition, fixed point, and classical gradient search techniques.