Multi-process routes decision-making methodology based on improved max-min ant system

To realize integration of process planning and production scheduling, a multi-process routes decision-making methodology based on Max-Min Ant System (MMAS) was proposed. Concept of the feasible process graph for a part was defined and the mathematic model of multi-process routes decision-making problem was set up. Thus, the problem of multi-process routes decision-making was transformed into the problem of searching optimum path in this directed graph. Moreover, an improved MMAS based on the strategy of sorting elite ants was presented and the algorithm process was designed. Finally, robustness of the proposed algorithm was proved by simulations, and it outperformed other algorithms.