Line balancing and model sequencing to reduce work overload in mixed-model U-line production environments

Abstract

Mixed-model U-lines (MMULs) are important elements of just-in-time production systems. For successful implementation of MMULs, a smoothed workload distribution among workstations is important. This requires that line balancing and model sequencing problems are solved simultaneously. This article presents a mixed, zero–one, nonlinear mathematical programming formulation for balancing and sequencing MMULs simultaneously with the objective of reducing work overload. Since the problem is NP-hard, an effective simulated annealing approach is also presented and its performance compared with existing approaches. The results show that the proposed simulated annealing algorithm outperforms existing approaches.

Keywords:

• mixed-model U-lines
• line balancing
• model sequencing
• simulated annealing
• mathematical programming

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yakup Kara

∗Email: [email protected]