Scheduling just-in-time part supply for mixed-model assembly lines

With increasing cost competition and product variety, providing an efficient Just-inTime (JIT) supply has become one of the greatest challenges in the use of mixedmodel assembly line production systems. In the present paper, therefore, we propose a new approach for scheduling JIT part supply from a central storage center. Usually, materials are stored in boxes that are allotted to the consumptive stations of the line by forklift. For such a real-world problem, a new model, a complexity proof as well as different exact and heuristic solution procedures are provided. Furthermore, at the interface between logistics and assembly operations, strategic management implications are obtained. Specifically, basing on the new approach, it is the first time a statistical analysis is being made as to whether widespread Level Scheduling policies, which are well-known from the Toyota Production System, indeed facilitate material supply. Note that in literature it is frequently claimed that this causality exists.