Heuristic approach and application for rebalancing of a mixed-model assembly line

Abstract

The diversification of customer needs and the shortening of product life cycle have increased the significance of small batch production. The growth of interest in environmental issues has generated a focus on methods such as recycling and reuse. Therefore, companies must pay attention to the environmental impact of their production cycle, discharge their social responsibility, and maintain their competitive advantage. In this research, we addressed the mixed-model assembly line, which is used to assemble or remanufacture multiple items simultaneously. Despite their versatility, these assembly lines carry a high risk of line stoppages, especially in dynamic environments. We describe the task assignment problem and item process sequencing problem of a mixed-model assembly line with multiple stations. A heuristic method for solving each of these problems was investigated.

Keywords

• production scheduling
• task assignment
• mixed-model assembly lines
• rebalancing
• heuristic method