Benchmark for configuration and planning optimization problems: proposition of a generic model

Abstract : Computer science community is always interested in « benchmarks », e.g. standard problems, by which performance of optimization approaches can be measured and characterized. This article aims at presenting our work to achieve a benchmark for concurrent product configuration and process planning (CPCPP) optimization problems. A benchmark is a set of reference models that represents a particular kind of problem. Product configuration and process planning are classic problems abundantly handled in the literature. Their coupling in an integrated model is a more and more handled complex problem; but there is a lack of benchmark in spite of the need expressed by the community during last configuration workshops [1]. In this article, we propose a generic model of CPCPP problems that is representative of existing real applications and studies founded on literature. We define relevant concepts and propose some configuration and evaluation patterns for product and process modelling. Our generic model is adapted for a high level and multi-disciplinary (functional and/or physical) representation of these environments. It shall allow us to supply a representative and complete benchmark, in order to accurately estimate the contribution of existing optimization methods.