Multi-objective multi-model assembly line balancing problem: a quantitative study in engine manufacturing industry

This paper deals with multi-model assembly line balancing problem (MuMALBP). In multi-model assembly lines several products are produced in separate batches on a single assembly line. Despite their popular applications, these kinds of lines have been rarely studied in the literature. In this paper, a multi-objective mixed-integer linear programing model is proposed for balancing multi-model assembly lines. Three objectives are simultaneously considered in the proposed model. These are: (1) minimizing cycle time for each model (2) maximizing number of common tasks assigned to the same workstations, and (3) maximizing level of workload distribution smoothness between workstations. Performance of the proposed model is empirically investigated in a real world engine assembly line. After applying the proposed model, possible minimum cycle time is attained for each model. All common tasks are assigned to the same workstations and a highest possible level of workload distribution smoothness is achieved. It is shown that the best compromise solution has led to the best value of the first and second objective functions with a slight distance from the best value of third one.

[1]  Carlos Andrés,et al.  Tabu search algorithms for an industrial multi-product and multi-objective assembly line balancing problem, with reduction of the task dispersion , 2002, J. Oper. Res. Soc..

[2]  Alexandre Dolgui,et al.  A taxonomy of line balancing problems and their solutionapproaches , 2013 .

[3]  Nils Boysen,et al.  Jena Research Papers in Business and Economics Balancing mixed-model assembly lines : A computational evaluation of objectives to smoothen workload , 2008 .

[4]  Reza Ardakanian,et al.  Multi-criteria Decision Making for Integrated Urban Water Management , 2008 .

[5]  Emre Cevikcan,et al.  An optimization methodology for multi model walking-worker assembly systems: an application from busbar energy distribution systems , 2016 .

[6]  Nick T. Thomopoulos,et al.  Line Balancing-Sequencing for Mixed-Model Assembly , 1967 .

[7]  Yuejin Tan,et al.  Sustainable Production Line Evaluation Based on Evidential Reasoning , 2017 .

[8]  Tom Pape,et al.  Heuristics and lower bounds for the simple assembly line balancing problem type 1: Overview, computational tests and improvements , 2015, Eur. J. Oper. Res..

[9]  Alf Kimms,et al.  Minimal investment budgets for flow line configuration , 1998 .

[10]  Peter Nielsen,et al.  Heuristics for solving a multi-model robotic assembly line balancing problem , 2017 .

[11]  Andy Neely,et al.  Investigating risks of outcome-based service contracts from a provider’s perspective , 2018, Int. J. Prod. Res..

[12]  Pedro M. Vilarinho,et al.  A two-stage heuristic method for balancing mixed-model assembly lines with parallel workstations , 2002 .

[13]  Nima Hamta,et al.  A hybrid PSO algorithm for a multi-objective assembly line balancing problem with flexible operation times, sequence-dependent setup times and learning effect , 2013 .

[14]  Nils Boysen,et al.  Resequencing of mixed-model assembly lines: Survey and research agenda , 2012, Eur. J. Oper. Res..

[15]  Saman Hassanzadeh Amin,et al.  An integrated model for closed-loop supply chain configuration and supplier selection: Multi-objective approach , 2012, Expert Syst. Appl..

[16]  O. E. Emam,et al.  Stochastic Fuzzy Multi-level Multi-objective Fractional Programming Problem: A FGP Approach , 2017, OPSEARCH.

[17]  Nils Boysen,et al.  Assembly line balancing: Which model to use when? , 2006 .

[18]  Damian Krenczyk,et al.  A Heuristic and Simulation Hybrid Approach for Mixed and Multi Model Assembly Line Balancing , 2017 .

[19]  Ton G. de Kok,et al.  The mixed and multi model line balancing problem: a comparison , 1997, Eur. J. Oper. Res..

[20]  Nils Boysen,et al.  Car sequencing versus mixed-model sequencing: A computational study , 2014, Eur. J. Oper. Res..

[21]  Turan Paksoy,et al.  Binary fuzzy goal programming approach to single model straight and U-shaped assembly line balancing , 2009, Eur. J. Oper. Res..

[22]  Jordi Pereira,et al.  Modelling and solving a cost-oriented resource-constrained multi-model assembly line balancing problem , 2018, Int. J. Prod. Res..

[23]  Armin Scholl,et al.  State-of-the-art exact and heuristic solution procedures for simple assembly line balancing , 2006, Eur. J. Oper. Res..

[24]  Reza Ramezanian,et al.  Modeling and solving multi-objective mixed-model assembly line balancing and worker assignment problem , 2015, Comput. Ind. Eng..

[25]  Maurizio Faccio,et al.  Mixed model assembly system with multiple secondary feeder lines: layout design and balancing procedure for ATO environment , 2012 .

[26]  Prasenjit Chatterjee,et al.  Evaluating performance of engineering departments in an Indian University using DEMATEL and compromise ranking methods , 2015 .

[27]  Nils Boysen,et al.  A classification of assembly line balancing problems , 2007, Eur. J. Oper. Res..

[28]  Mario T. Tabucanon,et al.  Batch-model assembly line balancing: A multiattribute decision making approach , 1995 .