This paper presents the problem of redesigning a supply network of large scale by considering variability of the demand. The central problematic takes root in determining strategic decisions of closing and adjusting of capacity of some network echelons and the tactical decisions concerning to the distribution channels used for transporting products. We have formulated a deterministic Mixed Integer Linear Programming Model (MILP) and a stochastic MILP model (SMILP) whose objective functions are the maximization of the EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization). The decisions of Network Design on stochastic model as capacities, number of warehouses in operation, material and product flows between echelons, are determined in a single stage by defining an objective function that penalizes unsatisfied demand and surplus of demand due to demand changes. The solution strategy adopted for the stochastic model is a scheme denominated as Sample Average Approximation (SAA). The model is based on the case of a Colombian company dedicated to production and marketing of foodstuffs and supplies for the bakery industry. The results show that the proposed methodology was a solid reference for decision support regarding to the supply networks redesign by considering the expected economic contribution of products and variability of the demand.

The present research work investigated the machining of AISI304 austenitic stainless steel in terms of machining force evolution, power consumption, specific cutting force and surface roughness where a factorial experiment design and analysis of variance technique were used and several factors were evaluated for their effects on each level. The case of dry turning process was studied based on design of experiments in order to obtain empirical equations characterizing material machinability according to cutting conditions such as cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut and the latter ones were put in relationship with the machining output variables (Ra, Fc, Kc and Pc) through the response surface methodology (RSM). Results revealed that feed rate was the most preponderant factor affecting surface roughness (71.04%). However, the depth of cut affects considerably cutting force and cutting power by (60.74% and 67.11%), respectively. In addition, the specific cutting force was found affected significantly by cutting speed with a contribution of 41.43%. The quadratic model of RSM associated with response optimization technique and composite desirability was used to find optimum values of machining parameters (104.54 m/min, 0.08 mm/rev and 0.295 mm).

Laser direct structuring (LDS) is very important step in the MID process and it is a complex process due to different parameters, which influence on this process and its final product. Therefore, it is very important to use a reliable model to predict, analyze and control the performance of the (LDS) process and the quality of the final product. In this work we develop mathematical models by using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to study this process. The proposed models are used to study the effect of the LDS parameters on the groove dimensions (width and depth), lap dimensions (groove lap width and height) and finally the heat effective zone (interaction width), which are important to determine the line width/space in the MID products and the metallization profile after the metallization step. We also study the relationship between the LDS parameters and the surface roughness which is very important factor for the adhesion strength of MID structures. Moreover these models capable of finding a set of optimum LDS parameters that provide the required micro-channel dimensions with the best or the suitable surface roughness. A set of experimental tests are carried out to validate the developed ANN and the RSM models. It has been found that the predicted values for the proposal ANN and RSM models were closer to the experimental values, and the overall average absolute percentage errors were 4.02 % and 6.52%, respectively. Finally, it has been found that, the developed ANN model could be used to predict the response of the LDS process more accurately than RSM model.

This paper deals with an integrated multi-stage supply chain inventory model with the objective of cost minimization by synchronizing the replenishment decisions for procurement, production and delivery activities. The supply chain structure examined here consists of a single manufacturer with multi-buyer where manufacturer orders a fixed quantity of raw material from outside suppliers, processes the materials and delivers the finished products in unequal shipments to each customer. In this paper, we consider an imperfect production system, which produces defective items randomly and assumes that all defective items could be reworked. A simple algorithm is developed to obtain an optimal production policy, which minimizes the expected average total cost of the integrated production-inventory system.

The overall objective of this paper is to present a comprehensive comparison between the EOQ model and JIT system to see either of them under which circumstances is more cost effective. There have been a few researchers dealing with the EOQ/JIT comparison model to guide companies whether or not switch to JIT or EOQ, however, their proposed models could be more realistic by taking some effective factors, such as hidden costs of a JIT system, interest rate, inflation rate, etc., into account. This research, by considering some less seen costs of both EOQ model and JIT system, develops the previous proposals of the EOQ/JIT model. This paper analyzes the impact of increasing or decreasing some determinant factors such as the interest rate, from cost perspective, to help the decision on whether or not to switch the inventory system, however, to make such a decision, companies may also take some other factors into account. A sensible link is created between the EOQ/JIT model and financial management to assure the decision makers that their financial concerns are observed in this model.

This paper demonstrates an experimental scrutiny into turning process of hot work tool steel AISI H21 under dry machining plight. In this paper, face centered central composite design concealed by response surface methodology is practiced and analysis of variance is implemented to analyze the eloquent benefaction of machining parameters on responses. To access accommodate between the surface roughness and the MRR, an approach for concurrent optimization of multi-objective characteristics based on comprehensive desirability function is employed. The multi objective optimization concludes a spindle speed of 1599.568 rpm, feed rate of 0.262 mm/rev and depth of cut of 2 mm.

There is an increase in awareness about sustainable manufacturing process. Manufacturing industries are backbone of a country’s economy. Although it is important but there is a great concern about consumption of resources and waste creation. The primary aim of this study was to explore sustainability concern in turning process in an Indian machining industry. The effect of cutting parameters, Speed/Feed/Depth of Cut, the machining environment, Dry/MQL/Wet, and the type of cutting tool on sustainability factors under study were observed. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to analyse the data obtained from experimentation in a small scale machining industry. The process is modelled mathematically using response surface methodology (RSM).The economic and environmental aspect like surface roughness, material removal rate and energy consumption were considered as sustainability factors. The model helps to understand the effect of the cutting parameters and conditions on surface finish, energy consumption, and material removal rate. The process was optimized for minimum power consumption considering environmental concern as prime importance. Studies suggest that the cutting environment and tool type influenced on the power consumption during turning process. Extended form of the proposed model could be useful to predict the environmental impact due to machining process, which would bring environmental concern into conventional machining.

This paper presents a method of calendar (weekly) scheduling for production teams, when the average orders utility function is used as the quality criterion. The method is based on the concept of “production intensity”, which is a dynamic parameter of production process. Applied software package allows scheduling for medium quantity of jobs. The result of software application is the team load on the planning horizon. The computed schedule may be corrected and recalculated in interactive mode. Current load of every team is taken into account at each recalculation. The method may be used for any combination of complex and specialized teams.

Trim cutting operation in wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) is considered as a probable solution to improve surface characteristics and geometrical accuracy by removing very small amount of work materials from the surface obtained after a rough cutting operation. In this study, an attempt has been made to model the surface roughness and dimensional shift in trim cutting operations in WEDM process through response surface methodology (RSM). Four process parameters; namely pulse-on time (Ton), servo voltage (SV), wire depth (Wd) and Dielectric flow rate (FR) have been considered as input parameters in trim cutting operations for modelling. Desirability function has been employed to optimize multi performance characteristics. Increasing the value of Ton, Wd and FR increases the surface roughness and dimensional shift but increasing SV decreases both surface roughness and dimensional shift. Quadratic models have been proposed for both the performance characteristics. In present experimentation, thickness of recast layer was observed in the range of 6?m to 12?m for low to high value of discharge parameters.

This research discusses an integer batch scheduling problems for a single-machine with position-dependent batch processing time due to the simultaneous effect of learning and forgetting. The decision variables are the number of batches, batch sizes, and the sequence of the resulting batches. The objective is to minimize total actual flow time, defined as total interval time between the arrival times of parts in all respective batches and their common due date. There are two proposed algorithms to solve the problems. The first is developed by using the Integer Composition method, and it produces an optimal solution. Since the problems can be solved by the first algorithm in a worst-case time complexity O(n2n-1), this research proposes the second algorithm. It is a heuristic algorithm based on the Lagrange Relaxation method. Numerical experiments show that the heuristic algorithm gives outstanding results.