Solving symmetric mixed-model multi-level just-in-time scheduling problems

The generation of leveled production schedules is of high importance for mixed-model assembly lines whose parts and materials are supplied just-in-time by multi-level production processes. The Output Rate Variaton problem is the standard mathematical representation of this complex level scheduling problem and has been extensively studied by research thus far. This work identi es novel symmetries in solution sequences of this problem class and shows how these insights can be used to improve exact solution procedures presented in the literature. The e ectiveness of the modi cations is evaluated by a computational study.