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Sequencing mixed-model assembly lines: Survey, classification and model critique

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  • Boysen, Nils
  • Fliedner, Malte
  • Scholl, Armin

Abstract

Manufacturers in a wide range of industries nowadays face the challenge of providing a rich product variety at a very low cost. This typically requires the implementation of cost efficient, flexible production systems. Often, so called mixed-model assembly lines are employed, where setup operations are reduced to such an extent that various models of a common base product can be manufactured in intermixed sequences. However, the observed diversity of mixed-model lines makes a thorough sequence planning essential for exploiting the benefits of assembly line production. This paper reviews and discusses the three major planning approaches presented in the literature, mixed-model sequencing, car sequencing and level scheduling, and provides a hierarchical classification scheme to systematically record the academic efforts in each field and to deduce future research issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Boysen, Nils & Fliedner, Malte & Scholl, Armin, 2009. "Sequencing mixed-model assembly lines: Survey, classification and model critique," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 192(2), pages 349-373, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:ejores:v:192:y:2009:i:2:p:349-373
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