An Enhanced Estimation of Distribution Algorithm for Energy-Efficient Job-Shop Scheduling Problems with Transportation Constraints

[EN] Nowadays, the manufacturing industry faces the challenge of reducing energy consumption and the associated environmental impacts. Production scheduling is an effective approach for energy-savings management. During the entire workshop production process, both the processing and transportation operations consume large amounts of energy. To reduce energy consumption, an energy-efficient job-shop scheduling problem (EJSP) with transportation constraints was proposed in this paper. First, a mixed-integer programming model was established to minimize both the comprehensive energy consumption and makespan in the EJSP. Then, an enhanced estimation of distribution algorithm (EEDA) was developed to solve the problem. In the proposed algorithm, an estimation of distribution algorithm was employed to perform the global search and an improved simulated annealing algorithm was designed to perform the local search. Finally, numerical experiments were implemented to analyze the performance of the EEDA. The results showed that the EEDA is a promising approach and that it can solve EJSP effectively and efficiently.This work was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of the Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China (No. 17KJB460018), the Innovation Foundation for Science and Technology of Yangzhou University (No. 2016CXJ020 and No. 2017CXJ018), Science and Technology Project of Yangzhou under (No. YZ2017278), Research Topics of Teaching Reform of Yangzhou University under (No. YZUJX2018-28B), and the Spanish Government (No. TIN2016-80856-R and No. TIN2015-65515-C4-1-R).Dai, M.; Zhang, Z.; Giret Boggino, AS.; Salido, MA. (2019). An Enhanced Estimation of Distribution Algorithm for Energy-Efficient Job-Shop Scheduling Problems with Transportation Constraints. Sustainability. 11(11):1-23. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11113085S1231111Wu, X., & Sun, Y. (2018). A green scheduling algorithm for flexible job shop with energy-saving measures. Journal of Cleaner Production, 172, 3249-3264. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.10.342Wang, Q., Tang, D., Li, S., Yang, J., Salido, M., Giret, A., & Zhu, H. (2019). An Optimization Approach for the Coordinated Low-Carbon Design of Product Family and Remanufactured Products. Sustainability, 11(2), 460. doi:10.3390/su11020460Meng, Y., Yang, Y., Chung, H., Lee, P.-H., & Shao, C. (2018). Enhancing Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in Smart Factories: A Review. Sustainability, 10(12), 4779. doi:10.3390/su10124779Gahm, C., Denz, F., Dirr, M., & Tuma, A. (2016). Energy-efficient scheduling in manufacturing companies: A review and research framework. European Journal of Operational Research, 248(3), 744-757. doi:10.1016/j.ejor.2015.07.017Giret, A., Trentesaux, D., & Prabhu, V. (2015). Sustainability in manufacturing operations scheduling: A state of the art review. Journal of Manufacturing Systems, 37, 126-140. doi:10.1016/j.jmsy.2015.08.002Akbar, M., & Irohara, T. (2018). Scheduling for sustainable manufacturing: A review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 205, 866-883. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.09.100Che, A., Wu, X., Peng, J., & Yan, P. (2017). Energy-efficient bi-objective single-machine scheduling with power-down mechanism. Computers & Operations Research, 85, 172-183. doi:10.1016/j.cor.2017.04.004Lee, S., Do Chung, B., Jeon, H. W., & Chang, J. (2017). A dynamic control approach for energy-efficient production scheduling on a single machine under time-varying electricity pricing. Journal of Cleaner Production, 165, 552-563. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.07.102Rubaiee, S., & Yildirim, M. B. (2019). An energy-aware multiobjective ant colony algorithm to minimize total completion time and energy cost on a single-machine preemptive scheduling. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 127, 240-252. doi:10.1016/j.cie.2018.12.020Zhang, M., Yan, J., Zhang, Y., & Yan, S. (2019). Optimization for energy-efficient flexible flow shop scheduling under time of use electricity tariffs. Procedia CIRP, 80, 251-256. doi:10.1016/j.procir.2019.01.062Li, J., Sang, H., Han, Y., Wang, C., & Gao, K. (2018). Efficient multi-objective optimization algorithm for hybrid flow shop scheduling problems with setup energy consumptions. Journal of Cleaner Production, 181, 584-598. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.02.004Lu, C., Gao, L., Li, X., Pan, Q., & Wang, Q. (2017). Energy-efficient permutation flow shop scheduling problem using a hybrid multi-objective backtracking search algorithm. Journal of Cleaner Production, 144, 228-238. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.01.011Fu, Y., Tian, G., Fathollahi-Fard, A. M., Ahmadi, A., & Zhang, C. (2019). Stochastic multi-objective modelling and optimization of an energy-conscious distributed permutation flow shop scheduling problem with the total tardiness constraint. Journal of Cleaner Production, 226, 515-525. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.04.046Schulz, S., Neufeld, J. S., & Buscher, U. (2019). A multi-objective iterated local search algorithm for comprehensive energy-aware hybrid flow shop scheduling. Journal of Cleaner Production, 224, 421-434. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.03.155Liu, Y., Dong, H., Lohse, N., Petrovic, S., & Gindy, N. (2014). An investigation into minimising total energy consumption and total weighted tardiness in job shops. Journal of Cleaner Production, 65, 87-96. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.07.060Liu, Y., Dong, H., Lohse, N., & Petrovic, S. (2016). A multi-objective genetic algorithm for optimisation of energy consumption and shop floor production performance. International Journal of Production Economics, 179, 259-272. doi:10.1016/j.ijpe.2016.06.019May, G., Stahl, B., Taisch, M., & Prabhu, V. (2015). Multi-objective genetic algorithm for energy-efficient job shop scheduling. International Journal of Production Research, 53(23), 7071-7089. doi:10.1080/00207543.2015.1005248Zhang, R., & Chiong, R. (2016). Solving the energy-efficient job shop scheduling problem: a multi-objective genetic algorithm with enhanced local search for minimizing the total weighted tardiness and total energy consumption. Journal of Cleaner Production, 112, 3361-3375. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.09.097Salido, M. A., Escamilla, J., Giret, A., & Barber, F. (2015). A genetic algorithm for energy-efficiency in job-shop scheduling. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 85(5-8), 1303-1314. doi:10.1007/s00170-015-7987-0Masmoudi, O., Delorme, X., & Gianessi, P. (2019). Job-shop scheduling problem with energy consideration. International Journal of Production Economics, 216, 12-22. doi:10.1016/j.ijpe.2019.03.021Mokhtari, H., & Hasani, A. (2017). An energy-efficient multi-objective optimization for flexible job-shop scheduling problem. Computers & Chemical Engineering, 104, 339-352. doi:10.1016/j.compchemeng.2017.05.004Meng, L., Zhang, C., Shao, X., & Ren, Y. (2019). MILP models for energy-aware flexible job shop scheduling problem. Journal of Cleaner Production, 210, 710-723. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.11.021Dai, M., Tang, D., Giret, A., & Salido, M. A. (2019). Multi-objective optimization for energy-efficient flexible job shop scheduling problem with transportation constraints. Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, 59, 143-157. doi:10.1016/j.rcim.2019.04.006Lacomme, P., Larabi, M., & Tchernev, N. (2013). Job-shop based framework for simultaneous scheduling of machines and automated guided vehicles. International Journal of Production Economics, 143(1), 24-34. doi:10.1016/j.ijpe.2010.07.012Nageswararao, M., Narayanarao, K., & Ranagajanardhana, G. (2014). Simultaneous Scheduling of Machines and AGVs in Flexible Manufacturing System with Minimization of Tardiness Criterion. Procedia Materials Science, 5, 1492-1501. doi:10.1016/j.mspro.2014.07.336Saidi-Mehrabad, M., Dehnavi-Arani, S., Evazabadian, F., & Mahmoodian, V. (2015). An Ant Colony Algorithm (ACA) for solving the new integrated model of job shop scheduling and conflict-free routing of AGVs. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 86, 2-13. doi:10.1016/j.cie.2015.01.003Guo, Z., Zhang, D., Leung, S. Y. S., & Shi, L. (2016). A bi-level evolutionary optimization approach for integrated production and transportation scheduling. Applied Soft Computing, 42, 215-228. doi:10.1016/j.asoc.2016.01.052Karimi, S., Ardalan, Z., Naderi, B., & Mohammadi, M. (2017). Scheduling flexible job-shops with transportation times: Mathematical models and a hybrid imperialist competitive algorithm. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 41, 667-682. doi:10.1016/j.apm.2016.09.022Liu, Z., Guo, S., & Wang, L. (2019). Integrated green scheduling optimization of flexible job shop and crane transportation considering comprehensive energy consumption. Journal of Cleaner Production, 211, 765-786. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.11.231Tang, D., & Dai, M. (2015). Energy-efficient approach to minimizing the energy consumption in an extended job-shop scheduling problem. Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 28(5), 1048-1055. doi:10.3901/cjme.2015.0617.082Hao, X., Lin, L., Gen, M., & Ohno, K. (2013). Effective Estimation of Distribution Algorithm for Stochastic Job Shop Scheduling Problem. Procedia Computer Science, 20, 102-107. doi:10.1016/j.procs.2013.09.246Wang, L., Wang, S., Xu, Y., Zhou, G., & Liu, M. (2012). A bi-population based estimation of distribution algorithm for the flexible job-shop scheduling problem. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 62(4), 917-926. doi:10.1016/j.cie.2011.12.014Jarboui, B., Eddaly, M., & Siarry, P. (2009). An estimation of distribution algorithm for minimizing the total flowtime in permutation flowshop scheduling problems. Computers & Operations Research, 36(9), 2638-2646. doi:10.1016/j.cor.2008.11.004Hauschild, M., & Pelikan, M. (2011). An introduction and survey of estimation of distribution algorithms. Swarm and Evolutionary Computation, 1(3), 111-128. doi:10.1016/j.swevo.2011.08.003Liu, F., Xie, J., & Liu, S. (2015). A method for predicting the energy consumption of the main driving system of a machine tool in a machining process. Journal of Cleaner Production, 105, 171-177. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.09.058Dai, M., Tang, D., Giret, A., Salido, M. A., & Li, W. D. (2013). Energy-efficient scheduling for a flexible flow shop using an improved genetic-simulated annealing algorithm. Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, 29(5), 418-429. doi:10.1016/j.rcim.2013.04.001Beasley, J. E. (1990). OR-Library: Distributing Test Problems by Electronic Mail. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 41(11), 1069-1072. doi:10.1057/jors.1990.166Zhao, F., Shao, Z., Wang, J., & Zhang, C. (2015). A hybrid differential evolution and estimation of distribution algorithm based on neighbourhood search for job shop scheduling problems. International Journal of Production Research, 54(4), 1039-1060. doi:10.1080/00207543.2015.1041575Van Laarhoven, P. J. M., Aarts, E. H. L., & Lenstra, J. K. (1992). Job Shop Scheduling by Simulated Annealing. Operations Research, 40(1), 113-125. doi:10.1287/opre.40.1.113Wang, L., & Zheng, D.-Z. (2001). An effective hybrid optimization strategy for job-shop scheduling problems. Computers & Operations Research, 28(6), 585-596. doi:10.1016/s0305-0548(99)00137-9Dorndorf, U., & Pesch, E. (1995). Evolution based learning in a job shop scheduling environment. Computers & Operations Research, 22(1), 25-40. doi:10.1016/0305-0548(93)e0016-mPark, B. J., Choi, H. R., & Kim, H. S. (2003). A hybrid genetic algorithm for the job shop scheduling problems. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 45(4), 597-613. doi:10.1016/s0360-8352(03)00077-

Heuristics for the distributed blocking Ffow shop scheduling problem

Postprint (published version

Efficiency of the solution representations for the hybrid flow shop scheduling problem with makespan objective

In this paper we address the classical hybrid flow shop scheduling problem with makespan objective. As this problem is known to be NP-hard and a very common layout in real-life manufacturing scenarios, many studies have been proposed in the literature to solve it. These contributions use different solution representations of the feasible schedules, each one with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of them do not guarantee that all feasible semiactive schedules are represented in the space of solutions –thus limiting in principle their effectiveness– but, on the other hand, these simpler solution representations possess clear advantages in terms of having consistent neighbourhoods with well-defined neighbourhood moves. Therefore, there is a trade-off between the solution space reduction and the ability to conduct an efficient search in this reduced solution space. This trade-off is determined by two aspects, i.e. the extent of the solution space reduction, and the quality of the schedules left aside by this solution space reduction. In this paper, we analyse the efficiency of the different solution representations employed in the literature for the problem. More specifically, we first establish the size of the space of semiactive schedules achieved by the different solution representations and, secondly, we address the issue of the quality of the schedules that can be achieved by these representations using the optimal solutions given by several MILP models and complete enumeration. The results obtained may contribute to design more efficient algorithms for the hybrid flow shop scheduling problem.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación DPI2016-80750-

High-Level Object Oriented Genetic Programming in Logistic Warehouse Optimization

Disertační práce je zaměřena na optimalizaci průběhu pracovních operací v logistických skladech a distribučních centrech. Hlavním cílem je optimalizovat procesy plánování, rozvrhování a odbavování. Jelikož jde o problém patřící do třídy složitosti NP-težký, je výpočetně velmi náročné nalézt optimální řešení. Motivací pro řešení této práce je vyplnění pomyslné mezery mezi metodami zkoumanými na vědecké a akademické půdě a metodami používanými v produkčních komerčních prostředích. Jádro optimalizačního algoritmu je založeno na základě genetického programování řízeného bezkontextovou gramatikou. Hlavním přínosem této práce je a) navrhnout nový optimalizační algoritmus, který respektuje následující optimalizační podmínky: celkový čas zpracování, využití zdrojů, a zahlcení skladových uliček, které může nastat během zpracování úkolů, b) analyzovat historická data z provozu skladu a vyvinout sadu testovacích příkladů, které mohou sloužit jako referenční výsledky pro další výzkum, a dále c) pokusit se předčit stanovené referenční výsledky dosažené kvalifikovaným a trénovaným operačním manažerem jednoho z největších skladů ve střední Evropě.This work is focused on the work-flow optimization in logistic warehouses and distribution centers. The main aim is to optimize process planning, scheduling, and dispatching. The problem is quite accented in recent years. The problem is of NP hard class of problems and where is very computationally demanding to find an optimal solution. The main motivation for solving this problem is to fill the gap between the new optimization methods developed by researchers in academic world and the methods used in business world. The core of the optimization algorithm is built on the genetic programming driven by the context-free grammar. The main contribution of the thesis is a) to propose a new optimization algorithm which respects the makespan, the utilization, and the congestions of aisles which may occur, b) to analyze historical operational data from warehouse and to develop the set of benchmarks which could serve as the reference baseline results for further research, and c) to try outperform the baseline results set by the skilled and trained operational manager of the one of the biggest warehouses in the middle Europe.

Efficient heuristics for the hybrid flow shop scheduling problem with missing operations

In this paper, we address the hybrid flowshop scheduling problem for makespan minimisation. More specifically, we are interested in the special case where there are missing operations, i.e. some stages are skipped, a condition inspired in a realistic problem found in a plastic manufacturer. The main contribution of our paper is twofold. On the one hand we carry out a computational analysis to study the hardness of the hybrid flowshop scheduling problem with missing operations as compared to the classical hybrid flowshop problem. On the other hand, we propose a set of heuristics that captures some special features of the missing operations and compare these algorithms with already existing heuristics for the classical hybrid flowshop, and for the hybrid flowshop problem with missing operations. The extensive computational experience carried out shows that our proposal outperforms existing methods for the problem, indicating that it is possible to improve the makespan by interacting with the jobs with missing operations.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación DPI2016-80750-

AI and OR in management of operations: history and trends

The last decade has seen a considerable growth in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for operations management with the aim of finding solutions to problems that are increasing in complexity and scale. This paper begins by setting the context for the survey through a historical perspective of OR and AI. An extensive survey of applications of AI techniques for operations management, covering a total of over 1200 papers published from 1995 to 2004 is then presented. The survey utilizes Elsevier's ScienceDirect database as a source. Hence, the survey may not cover all the relevant journals but includes a sufficiently wide range of publications to make it representative of the research in the field. The papers are categorized into four areas of operations management: (a) design, (b) scheduling, (c) process planning and control and (d) quality, maintenance and fault diagnosis. Each of the four areas is categorized in terms of the AI techniques used: genetic algorithms, case-based reasoning, knowledge-based systems, fuzzy logic and hybrid techniques. The trends over the last decade are identified, discussed with respect to expected trends and directions for future work suggested