A review of different approaches to the FMS loading problem

Loading in flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) is affected by the charact eristics of the FMS under analysis, by the type of plant where the FMS is i ntroduced, and by the production planning hierarchy where the loading modul e operates. We propose an analysis of the various aspects that influence th e problem formulation, identifying the alternatives available in real syste ms and possible future evolutions. We then provide a survey of different ap proaches proposed in the literature to tackle the loading problem. Articles are classified according to the type of FMS analyzed, the objective functi on, and the constraints. Finally, based on our analysis, we suggest some pr oblem issues which need to be addressed, and also directions for future res earch.