A new fuzzy-c-means and assignment technique-based cell formation algorithm to perform party-type clusters and machine-type clusters separately

The incorporation of fuzziness in the cell formation problem by Chu and Hay ya (1991 International Journal of Production Research, 29, 1475-1487) is a notable contribution, in which non-binary classification logic is used. How ever, despite this development, numerical illustrations performed in this r esearch demonstrate that the Chu and Hayya approach can result in solutions with empty party-type cluster(s) and/or empty machine-type cluster(s). Fur ther, it is noted that solutions based on the Chu and Hayya approach can co ntain non-empty part-type cluster(s) being assigned to empty machine-type c luster(s) and vice versa. Three strategies are offered in this research to overcome these inadequacies: the separate formation of part-type and machin e-type cluster; modification of the stopping criterion; and the adoption of the assignment technique in the formation of the final manufacturing cell solutions. A new algorithm has resulted from these modifications and has be en rigorously compared to the performance of the Chu and Hayya approach. In general, the new algorithm demonstrates superiorities in global efficiency and in generating feasible party-type clusters, machine-type clusters and manufacturing cells.