Linear Programming Application to Machine Loading in a Furniture Plant

The purpose of this paper is to describe an application of linear programming to the production problems of machine loading. The furniture plant studied produces a number of styles and types of furniture. Each unit of furniture undergoes a number of manufacturing steps before assembly. In this manufacturing process some machines are used extensively, while others may be used little, depending upon the accumulated requirement of the mix of items being produced. The date collected showed the amount of time required to produce one piece of furniture of a given style or design on all machines collectively and on each machine individually. The data so collected were punched into cards for computer analysis. The actual production scheduled at the study firm proved to be inferior to the computer’s choice in making maximum use of machinery. This is because production was not scheduled to maximize machine use, rather, production was scheduled to meet markets which at that time demanded specific quantities of specific products. It appears from this study that linear programming is now prepared to answer the question: “What combination of products best fits my firm’s machinery?” Even in this very brief but important trial, it appears that linear programming has considerable merit as a management tool.

You must be logged in to download any documents. Please login (login accounts are free) or learn how to Become a Member