This study presents a genetic algorithm approach to the Assembly Line Balancing Problem (ALBP), that includes the possibility of paralleling (the possibility of utilizing parallel workstations which perform the same set of tasks). The implementation of this feature has required a double chromosome representation of feasible solutions. The objective function considers two components: minimizing design costs and maximizing workload smoothness. The algorithm takes into account other realistic aspects, such as the randomness in task times execution, and the realization of a mix of products. All of this makes it applicable to a large number of real cases. The approach is tested on a set of problems taken from literature; the computation results, obtained via simulation, validate the effectiveness of the algorithm. Significance: Many traditional line balancing approaches may lead to poor solutions when applied in modern production environment. The motivation for this research is to investigate the problem of balancing a production or assembly line in a realistic, modern manufacturing environment. © INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING.
Balancing Mixed-Model Assembly Lines with Parallel Workstations through a Genetic Algorithm Approach
TIACCI, Lorenzo;SAETTA, Stefano Antonio;
2006
Abstract
This study presents a genetic algorithm approach to the Assembly Line Balancing Problem (ALBP), that includes the possibility of paralleling (the possibility of utilizing parallel workstations which perform the same set of tasks). The implementation of this feature has required a double chromosome representation of feasible solutions. The objective function considers two components: minimizing design costs and maximizing workload smoothness. The algorithm takes into account other realistic aspects, such as the randomness in task times execution, and the realization of a mix of products. All of this makes it applicable to a large number of real cases. The approach is tested on a set of problems taken from literature; the computation results, obtained via simulation, validate the effectiveness of the algorithm. Significance: Many traditional line balancing approaches may lead to poor solutions when applied in modern production environment. The motivation for this research is to investigate the problem of balancing a production or assembly line in a realistic, modern manufacturing environment. © INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
