Just-in-Time Balancing of Feedback Assembly Lines Via Constrained-Linear Tropical Model

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop an optimization model allowing the choice of parts feeding policy to assembly lines in order to minimize total cost. Design/methodology/approach – An integer linear programming mathematical model is developed to assign the optimal material feeding policy to each part type. The model allows choice between kitting, line stocking and just in time delivery policies. Findings – The choice of assembly lines feeding policy is not trivial and requires a thorough economic comparison of alternatives. It is found that a proper mix of parts feeding policies may be better that adopting a single material delivery policy for all parts. Research limitations/implications – The model is aimed at single-model assembly lines operating in a deterministic environment, but can be extended to the multi-model line case. While relevant quantitative cost drivers are included, some context-related qualitative factors are not included yet. The model assumes that information about product structure and part requirements are known and that a preliminary design of the assembly system has been carried out. Practical implications – Production managers are given a quantitative-decision tool to determine the optimal mix of material supply policies at an early decision stage. Originality/value – Respect previous simplified literature models, this approach allows to quantify a number of additional factors which are critical for successful implementation of cost-effective parts feeding systems, allowing comparison of alternative policies on a consistent basis.

Download Full-text

Design of a just-in-time periodic material supply system for the assembly lines and an application in electronics industry

The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology ◽

10.1007/s00170-012-4171-7 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 65 (1-4) ◽

pp. 319-332 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Sule Itir Satoglu ◽

I. Ethem Sahin

Keyword(s):

Electronics Industry ◽

Supply System ◽

Just In Time ◽

Assembly Lines ◽

Material Supply ◽

Time Periodic

Download Full-text

Scheduling the in-house logistics distribution for automotive assembly lines with just-in-time principles

Assembly Automation ◽

10.1108/aa-04-2016-028 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 37 (1) ◽

pp. 51-63 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Binghai Zhou ◽

Tao Peng

Keyword(s):

Real World ◽

Approximate Solutions ◽

Distribution Model ◽

Small Scale ◽

Just In Time ◽

Similar Distribution ◽

Assembly Lines ◽

Content Type ◽

Bee Colony ◽

Automotive Assembly

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the just-in-time (JIT) in-house logistics problem for automotive assembly lines. A point-to-point (P2P) JIT distribution model has been formulated to specify the destination station and parts quantity of each delivery for minimizing line-side inventory levels. Design/methodology/approach An exact backtracking procedure integrating with dominance properties is presented to cope with small-scale instances. As for real-world instances, this study develops a modified discrete artificial bee colony (MDABC) metaheuristic. The neighbor search of MDABC is redefined by a novel differential evolution loop and a breadth-first search. Findings The backtracking method has efficaciously cut unpromising branches and solved small-scale instances to optimality. Meanwhile, the modifications have enhanced exploitation abilities of the original metaheuristic, and good approximate solutions are obtained for real-world instances. Furthermore, inventory peaks are avoided according to the simulation results which validates the effectiveness of this mathematical model to facilitate an efficient JIT parts supply. Research limitations/implications This study is applicable only if the breakdown of transport devices is not considered. The current work has effectively facilitated the P2P JIT logistics scheduling in automotive assembly lines, and it could be modified to tackle similar distribution problems featuring time-varying demands. Originality/value Both limited vehicle capacities and no stock-outs constraints are considered, and the combined routing and loading problem is solved satisfactorily for an efficient JIT supply of material in automotive assembly lines.

Download Full-text