Selecting the optimal shift numbers using fuzzy control model: a paint factory's facility application

Abstract

Number of shifts is one of the most important criteria for the production planners to minimize the production costs. The first measurement of the facility, where we executed the application, is optimizing the manpower rotation in B12 production, a special kind of chemical, which is used for paint binders. Seasonal variations in demand of B12 add more importance to the number of shifts in the facility. The purpose of this article is to optimize the shift periods subject to raw material, shipping date, inventory and demand constraints. The model is developed for a paint factory's reactor facility. The production system has a raw material inventory, a reactor, and a finished goods inventory. We use fuzzy control to optimize the number of shifts under the constraints, given before.