ABSTRACT: Parallel Assembly Lines with multi-line stations (PALBs) have been widely studied in recent years because PALBs can help improve the efficiency of a production system. However, need buffers has not considered PALBP literature. In this study, for first time literature, it is shown and demonstrated to consider use type line when their cycle times are different. Moreover, buffer sizing p...

The present article focuses on the application of a procedure based on ant colonies to solve an assembly line balancing problem. After an introduction to assembly line problems, the problem under study is presented: the Time and Space constrained Assembly Line Balancing Problem (TSALBP); and a basic model of one of its variants is put forward for study. Subsequently, an ant algorithm is present...

This paper presents an approach, based on ant techniques, to effectively address the assembly line balancing problem with the complicating factors of parallel workstations, stochastic task durations, and mixed-models. A methodology was inspired by the behavior of social insects in an attempt to distribute tasks among workers so that strategic performance measures are optimized. This methodology...

In this paper we study an assembly line balancing problem that occurs in sheltered worker centers for the disabled, where workers with very different characteristics are present. We are interested in the situation in which complete parallel assembly lines are allowed and name the resulting problem as parallel assembly line worker assignment and balancing problem (PALWABP). This approach enables...

In recent years, more and more automobile producers adopted the supermarketconcept to enable a exible and reliable Just-in-Time (JIT) part supply of their mixed-model assembly lines. Within this concept, a supermarket is a decentralized in-house logistics area where parts are intermediately stored and then loaded on small tow trains. These tow trains travel across the shop oor on speci c routes...

In this paper an event and object oriented simulator for assembly lines is presented. The tool, developed in Java, is capable to simulate mixed model assembly lines, with stochastic task times, parallel stations, fixed scheduling sequences, and buffers within workstations. The simulator is a flexible supporting tool in finding solution of the mixed model assembly line balancing problem (and the...

In this paper we consider the programming of job rotation in the Assembly Line Worker Assignment and Balancing Problem. The motivation for this study comes from the designing of assembly lines in sheltered work centers for the disabled, where workers have different task execution times. In this context, the well-known training aspects associated with job rotation are particularly desired. We pr...