Order-oriented cooperative sequencing optimisation in multi-mix-model assembly lines

Abstract

Order-oriented products assembly sequence among different assembly lines becomes a critical problem for mass customisation manufacturing systems. It significantly affects system productivity, delivery time, and manufacturing cost. In this paper, we propose a new approach to extend the traditional products sequencing from mixed model assembly line (MMAL) to multi-mixed model assembly lines (MMMALs) to obtain the optimal assembly sequence with the objectives of minimising consumption waviness of each material in the lines, assembly line setup cost, and lead-time. A multi-objective optimisation algorithm based on variable neighbourhood search methods (VNS) is developed. We perform an industrial case study in order to demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Keywords:

• mass customisation
• multi-objective optimisation
• multi-mix-model assembly lines
• product sequencing

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge support by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Number 51175304 and Research Award Foundation for Outstanding Young Scientist in Shandong Province under Grant Number BS2009ZZ014.