A computer simulation approach to evaluating assembly line balancing with variable operation times
Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management
ISSN: 1741-038X
Article publication date: 12 September 2010
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a computer simulation model to evaluate the bowl phenomenon and the allocation at the end of the line of stations with either greater mean operation times or higher variability of operation times.
Design/methodology/approach
The model was developed on the basis of a realistic case problem and applied to a six‐station assembly line. The evaluation criteria were the: minimization of the total elapsed time; maximization of the average percentage of working time; and minimization of the average time in the system.
Findings
The performance of an assembly line with independently normally distributed operation times could be improved by applying the bowl phenomenon. The allocation of large operation mean times to stations located near the end of the line did not produce improved results. Instead a more balanced allocation proved to be more significantly effective. On the other hand, the assignment of larger variability of operation times to the stations near the end of the line improved the performance of the assembly line.
Originality/value
The investigation contributed to the computer simulation approach to solving assembly line problems that dealt with the impact of normally distributed operation times on the bowl phenomenon and assembly lines with increasing mean operation times and higher variability of operation times at the end of the line of stations.
Keywords
Citation
Das, B., Sanchez‐Rivas, J.M., Garcia‐Diaz, A. and MacDonald, C.A. (2010), "A computer simulation approach to evaluating assembly line balancing with variable operation times", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 21 No. 7, pp. 872-887. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410381011077964
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited