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Solving Lotsizing Problems on Parallel Identical Machines Using Symmetry Breaking Constraints

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  • Jans, R.F.
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    Abstract

    Production planning on multiple parallel machines is an interesting problem, both from a theoretical and practical point of view. The parallel machine lotsizing problem consists of finding the optimal timing and level of production and the best allocation of products to machines. In this paper we look at how to incorporate parallel machines in a Mixed Integer Programming model when using commercial optimization software. More specifically, we look at the issue of symmetry. When multiple identical machines are available, many alternative optimal solutions can be created by renumbering the machines. These alternative solutions lead to difficulties in the branch-and-bound algorithm. We propose new constraints to break this symmetry. We tested our approach on the parallel machine lotsizing problem with setup costs and times, using a network reformulation for this problem. Computational tests indicate that several of the proposed symmetry breaking constraints substantially improve the solution time, except when used for solving the very easy problems. The results highlight the importance of creative modeling in solving Mixed Integer Programming problems.

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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/1765/7985
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    Bibliographic Info

    Paper provided by Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam. in its series Research Paper with number ERS-2006-051-LIS.

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    Date of creation: 20 Sep 2006
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    Handle: RePEc:dgr:eureri:30008951

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    Web page: http://www.erim.eur.nl/

    Related research

    Keywords: Mixed Integer Programming; Formulations; Symmetry; Lotsizing;

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