A review of assembly line balancing and sequencing including line layouts

• This paper comprises a literature review focused on mixed-model assembly line balancing and sequencing problems, including different line layouts. The study was undertaken in collaboration with a company to assist in mapping current state of the art. Balancing problems affect businesses long-term strategic decisions and are complex problems with regard to installation and rebalancing of assembly lines. Sequencing concerns decisions of short-term problem. Sequencing approaches include: level scheduling, mixed-model sequencing and car sequencing. Level scheduling constructs a sequence of variants to create efficient deliveries supported by the just-in-time concept, whereas both car- and mixed-model sequencing aim to minimise violations of a work station’s capacity through constructing a sequence, which alternates variants with high and low work intensity. Five layouts were considered: single-, mixed-model-, multi-model-, two-sided- and u-shaped assembly lines. These layouts were evaluated on the basis of the manufactured product(s), size and space at the production plant, economic resources, number of required operators and machinery. Following a thorough investigation of the literature, a substantial gap between academic discussions and real world practical applications was identified. The aim of forthcoming work is therefore to put this theory into practice.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Produktionsteknik, arbetsvetenskap och ergonomi (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Heijunka

balancing

leveling

sequencing assembly line

line layout

Industrial engineering and economy

Industriell teknik och ekonomi

Industriell arbetsvetenskap

Industrial engineering

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)