Heuristic methods for process optimization in the automotive industry

Abstract

In this paper we address a real leather nesting problem (LNP) arising in the component industry of the automotive sector. We describe two approaches for the resolution of the LNP. The first approach consists in a constructive heuristic, while the second relies on local search methods. The constructive heuristic is based on a simulation of the positioning of a piece so as to evaluate its fitness within the hide and within the current layout. The local search method operates in cutting patterns. We describe also an improvement of our constructive heuristic in order to apply it at each iteration of the local search procedures.The proposed models were implemented and tested in real instances of the automotive industry. The results illustrate the adequacy and the potential of the proposed approaches.