An integrated management procedure of multi-item mixed-line production system - Its hierarchical structure and performance evaluation

This paper proposes a design procedure of multi-item mixed-line production system in which various jigs, tools, capable facilities as well as skilled workers are equipped to enhance the capability of product variety. Major traditional technologies for the design of such production systems are classified into two categories, i.e. Line Balancing (LB) procedures which focus on balanced allocation of production resources, and Job Sequencing (JS) procedures which focus on balanced utilization of resources. In this paper, a conventional algorithm minimizing the number of stations is considered for the LB procedure, and an effective sequencing logic based on the ordinary Target Chasing Method (TCM) is proposed as a JS procedure for stable production as well as line stop aversion. Both of these procedures are integrated in terms of a two-stage hierarchical design procedure and its performance is investigated by simulation experiments under various conditions to ascertain its relevance.