A number of research papers have used different types of similarity/di
ssimilarity coefficients for determining part families. In cellular ma
nufacturing systems, most machines are capable of performing more than
one operation, which makes parts rerouting feasible. When a part is r
erouted, it affects the cell performance. Most of the suggested approa
ches in the literature develop a new similarity coefficient based on m
athematical analysis, however, these methods tend to disregard alterna
tive routes during machine failure. The main objective of this paper i
s to identify part families based on a new similarity coefficient whic
h considers the number of alternative routes available during machine
failure. Based on the new similarity coefficient, the part families we
re identified by using p-median model. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.
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