Genetic and Memetic Algorithms for Sequencing a New JIT Mixed-Model Assembly Line

This paper presents a new mathematical programming model for the bi-criteria mixed-model assembly line balancing problem in a just-in-time (JIT) production system. There is a set of criteria to judge sequences of the product mix in terms of the effective utilization of the system. The primary goal of this model is to minimize the setup cost and the stoppage assembly line cost, simultaneously. Because of its complexity to be optimally solved in a reasonable time, we propose and develop two evolutionary meta-heuristics based on a genetic algorithm (GA) and a memetic algorithm (MA). The proposed heuristics are evaluated by the use of random iterations, and the related results obtained confirm their efficiency and effectiveness in order to provide good solutions for medium and large-scale problems.