A mixed integer linear programming framework for optimizing the makespan of washing operations in hospital sterilization services
Résumé
In this paper, we want to minimize the time spent in the washing step of a sterilization process. We assume that we know the arrival time of each set of MDs to the sterilization service as well as its capacity requirement. Our aim is then to model the washing step as a batch scheduling problem. We have developed a mixed integer linear model which aims at minimizing the makespan of washing step. We have made several tests with academic and real data using the commercial computer program CPLEX. Then, we compared the results to those obtained by using a "first come first washed" strategy and the real situation.