A decision support system for the design of cellular manufacturing systems: database conceptualization

Abstract

In Cellular Manufacturing Systems (CMS) resources are grouped to create independent cells capable of completely processing a set of similar parts. The design of such a system is complex and entails several interconnected problems. The decision process regarding the design of CMS must, therefore, be sustained by solid data and supported by adequate models capable of helping the decision maker in the development of an adequate solution. In this context, a Decision Support System (DSS) for the design of CMS is being developed, and the purpose of this work is to present the conceptualization of the database required for such DSS.