Robust optimization approach to production system with failure in rework and breakdown under uncertainty: evolutionary methods

Purpose - This paper aims to consider a multi-site production planning problem with failure in rework and breakdown subject to demand uncertainty. Design/methodology/approach - In this new mathematical model, at first, a feasible range for production time is found, and then the model is rewritten considering the demand uncertainty and robust optimization techniques. Here, three evolutionary methods are presented: robust particle swarm optimization, robust genetic algorithm (RGA) and robust simulated annealing with the ability of handling uncertainties. Firstly, the proposed mathematical model is validated by solving a problem in the LINGO environment. Afterwards, to compare and find the efficiency of the proposed evolutionary methods, some large-size test problems are solved. Findings - The results show that the proposed models can prepare a promising approach to fulfill an efficient production planning in multi-site production planning. Results obtained by comparing the three proposed algorithms demonstrate that the presented RGA has better and more efficient solutions. Originality/value - Considering the robust optimization approach to production system with failure in rework and breakdown under uncertainty.