Scheduling optimisation of co-operator selection and task allocation in mass customisation supply chain based on collaborative benefits and risks

Abstract

How to deal with the contradiction between mass production effects and customised demand is the key problem of mass customisation (MC). With the development of supply chain management, we can probe a new way to solve this problem through the excellent character of supply chain scheduling (SCS). However, SCS in MC has special characters, mainly reflected in the random information of customer orders and the outstanding collaborative benefits and risks which can cause many complicated contradictions in operation. Based on earlier work about solving these contradictions, this paper introduces the collaborative benefit and risk analysis into scheduling and emphasises it not only for short-term but also for long-term collaboration. A dynamic and multi-objective optimisation model and an algorithm are set up for the scheduling optimisation of co-operator selection and task allocation. The model and algorithm not only reflect the operating requirements for the scheduling selection process in MC, but also reflect the thought of solving the key problem in MC and give consideration to the collaborative benefits and risks. The application feasibility of the model and algorithm are ultimately validated through an application case study.