A Fuzzy Goal Programming model for solving aggregate production-planning problems under uncertainty: A case study in a Brazilian sugar mill

Addressing uncertainty in sugarcane harvest planning through a revised multi-choice goal programming model

“…This work differs from Silva and Marins [5], and Silva et al [13], because the focus here is the planning of the sugar cane harvest, which corresponds to 60% of total costs [4]. Thus, this important phase is explored in more detail, taking into account the time and condition of land management, cane cutting decisions, and agricultural logistics.…”

“…Silva and Marins [5] proposed a fuzzy goal programming (FGP) for a real aggregate production-planning problem considering uncertainty on RHS coefficients. This research focused on nine objectives to be achieved: minimize the costs of each agro-industrial phase (supply of sugar cane, sugar cane transportation and production process), minimize the total inventory cost, minimize the total distribution cost of the products (sugars and ethanol) to clients, maximize the production of crystal sugar, maximize the production of VHP sugar, maximize the production of VVHP sugar and maximize the production of ethanol.…”

“…The sugar and ethanol companies studied here, as well as the harvest periods analyzed are different to those considered in [5,13]. Observe, finally, that [5,13] considered uncertainty in the RHS coefficients and in this work the uncertainty is modeled in the LHS coefficients.…”

“…Therefore, sugarcane harvesting usually occurs in a period close to maximum POL, but not exactly pinpointed on this date [5].…”

Mathematical Optimization Models in the Sugarcane Harvesting Process

“…The authors concluded that the mathematical techniques could aid the managers of mills in the strategic planning process of productive activities of the sugarcane. Silva and Marins [51] proposed a Fuzzy Goal Programming (FGP) model to optimize storage and transport logistics of sugarcane involving uncertainties in the agricultural process of sugar and ethanol production. The results indicated that the presented methodology could assist the managers in the decision making, mainly to the processes related to the harvesting, transshipment and transportation of the sugarcane.…”