Optimal dynamic assignment of a flexible worker on an open production line with specialists

This paper models and analyzes serial production lines with specialists at each station and a single, cross-trained ßoating worker who can work at any station. We formulate Markov decision process models of two and three station production lines in which (1) workers do not collaborate on the same job, (2) two workers can work at the same task/workstation on different jobs at the same time. Our model includes holding costs, set-up costs, and set-up times at each station. We rigorously compute Þnite-state regions of an optimal policy that are valid with an inÞnite state space, as well as an optimal average cost and the worker utilizations. Computations and bounds insightfully expose the performance opportunity gained through capacity balancing and variability buffering.