Application of the Taboo Search Method

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 8 views

Introduction

PT. Sinar Utama Nusantara is a company engaged in the production of PVC pipelines with a "make to order" system. The company's current scheduling system is based on the rules of first come first serve (FCFS), where every order that comes will be done according to the order of arrival without considering the time of completion needed. This often causes problems, especially when the company cannot meet the deadline that has been set because the total time of completion of all orders (makespan) exceeds the desired time.

The Problem with Current Scheduling Systems

The current scheduling system implemented by PT. Sinar Utama Nusantara has several limitations. Firstly, it does not take into account the time of completion needed for each order, which can lead to delays and missed deadlines. Secondly, it does not consider the urgency of each order, which can result in orders with higher priority being delayed. Lastly, it does not provide any flexibility in managing order priorities, which can lead to inefficiencies in production.

The Taboo Search Method

To overcome these problems, this research applies the taboo search method in scheduling production. The taboo search method is a heuristic technique designed to overcome complex scheduling problems. It works by exploring a wider solution space compared to traditional methods such as FCFS, and making adjustments needed to achieve a better solution by utilizing the memory of the previous solution.

Advantages of the Taboo Search Method

The taboo search method has several advantages over traditional scheduling methods. Firstly, it is able to explore a wider solution space, which increases the chances of finding a better solution. Secondly, it is able to make adjustments needed to achieve a better solution by utilizing the memory of the previous solution, which reduces the likelihood of getting trapped in local solutions. Lastly, it is able to provide flexibility in managing order priorities, which can lead to more efficient production.

Application of the Taboo Search Method

The taboo search method was applied to the production scheduling system of PT. Sinar Utama Nusantara. The results showed a significant increase in performance, with a makespan value of 138.41 hours, which is better compared to the company's actual scheduling system that has a makespan value of 145.09 hours. The efficiency index parameter also reached 1.04, indicating that this method is more effective in scheduling production. Additionally, the relative error of 4.82% shows that this method can save time completion of the percentage compared to the scheduling method currently used by the company.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

The taboo search method is a powerful tool for scheduling production. It is able to overcome complex scheduling problems by exploring a wider solution space and making adjustments needed to achieve a better solution. This is very important in fast-moving industries such as PVC pipe production, where customer satisfaction often depends on the timeliness of shipping.

Another advantage of using the taboo search method is its ability to provide flexibility in managing order priorities. This is very important in industries where orders have different priorities and deadlines. By utilizing the memory of the previous solution, the taboo search method is able to make adjustments needed to achieve a better solution, which can lead to more efficient production.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the application of the taboo search method for production scheduling at PT. Main Sinar Nusantara is the right step to minimize makespan. The results obtained show that companies can improve operational efficiency and meet customer needs better. The taboo search method is a powerful tool for scheduling production, and its application can lead to significant improvements in performance.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The taboo search method should be implemented in the production scheduling system of PT. Main Sinar Nusantara to minimize makespan.
The company should provide training to its employees on the use of the taboo search method to ensure that they are able to utilize its full potential.
The company should continuously monitor and evaluate the performance of the taboo search method to ensure that it is meeting its objectives.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, it only applied the taboo search method to the production scheduling system of PT. Main Sinar Nusantara, and did not consider other scheduling methods. Secondly, it only considered the makespan parameter, and did not consider other performance metrics such as throughput and lead time. Lastly, it only considered the application of the taboo search method in a single company, and did not consider its application in other companies.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on the following areas:

The application of the taboo search method in other scheduling problems, such as job shop scheduling and flow shop scheduling.
The comparison of the taboo search method with other scheduling methods, such as genetic algorithms and simulated annealing.
The development of new scheduling methods that combine the taboo search method with other optimization techniques.

Conclusion

Q: What is the taboo search method?

A: The taboo search method is a heuristic technique designed to overcome complex scheduling problems. It works by exploring a wider solution space compared to traditional methods such as FCFS, and making adjustments needed to achieve a better solution by utilizing the memory of the previous solution.

Q: What are the advantages of the taboo search method?

A: The taboo search method has several advantages over traditional scheduling methods. Firstly, it is able to explore a wider solution space, which increases the chances of finding a better solution. Secondly, it is able to make adjustments needed to achieve a better solution by utilizing the memory of the previous solution, which reduces the likelihood of getting trapped in local solutions. Lastly, it is able to provide flexibility in managing order priorities, which can lead to more efficient production.

Q: How does the taboo search method work?

A: The taboo search method works by iteratively generating and evaluating solutions. In each iteration, the method generates a new solution by making a random change to the current solution. The method then evaluates the new solution and compares it to the current solution. If the new solution is better, the method accepts it as the new current solution. If the new solution is not better, the method rejects it and continues to the next iteration.

Q: What are the benefits of using the taboo search method in scheduling PVC pipe production?

A: The benefits of using the taboo search method in scheduling PVC pipe production include:

Improved makespan: The taboo search method can help to minimize makespan, which is the total time needed to complete all work.
Increased efficiency: The taboo search method can help to increase efficiency by providing a more effective way of managing order priorities.
Better customer satisfaction: The taboo search method can help to improve customer satisfaction by providing a more timely and efficient production process.

Q: What are the limitations of the taboo search method?

A: The limitations of the taboo search method include:

Computational complexity: The taboo search method can be computationally complex, especially for large-scale scheduling problems.
Parameter sensitivity: The taboo search method can be sensitive to parameter settings, which can affect its performance.
Limited applicability: The taboo search method may not be applicable to all types of scheduling problems.

Q: How can the taboo search method be implemented in a real-world setting?

A: The taboo search method can be implemented in a real-world setting by:

Defining the scheduling problem: The first step is to define the scheduling problem and identify the key performance metrics.
Setting up the taboo search method: The next step is to set up the taboo search method, including the parameter settings and the evaluation function.
Running the taboo search method: The final step is to run the taboo search method and evaluate its performance.

Q: What are the future research directions for the taboo search method?

A: The future research directions for the taboo search method include:

Developing new variants of the taboo search method: Researchers can develop new variants of the taboo search method that are more efficient and effective.
Applying the taboo search method to other scheduling problems: Researchers can apply the taboo search method to other scheduling problems, such as job shop scheduling and flow shop scheduling.
Comparing the taboo search method with other scheduling methods: Researchers can compare the taboo search method with other scheduling methods, such as genetic algorithms and simulated annealing.