Multi-section electronic assembly line balancing problems: A case study

Abstract

The issues of multisection line balancing problems arising in local electronic assembly plants are addressed. The assembly line consists of several different sections and operational types in each section vary in terms of flow characteristics and cost. The aspects considered in this problem may involve the decisions for workstation cycle time, total operation cost, number of workstations, burn-in duration, burn-in house capacity, buffer size, and pallet quantity in use. The aim of this study is to propose a two-stage approach to resolving this problem. In the first stage, a multiple objective mixed-integer zero-one programming model is developed. Combined with the developed mathematical programming model, an interactive procedure is devised to simultaneously minimize workstation cycle time and number of workstations while satisfying the required total operation cost. In the second stage, a visual interactive modelling system and the associated human-machine interface are built for evaluating possible combinations of burn-in duration, burn-in house capacity, buffer size, and pallet quantity in use on the achieved assembly system. Results suggest that the potential benefit of the proposed approach is significant. The manager of electronic plant can dramatically improve theirperformance using the proposed approach. Finally, guidelines are provided in this study for managers attempting to design multi-section electronic assembly problems. Keywords: Multisection Line BalancingMulti-OBJECTIVE Mixed-INTEGER Zero-ONE ProgrammeHeuristicSimulation