Strategic selection of assembly systems under viable demands

Abstract

Purpose

Aims to strategically compare assembly lines to cell production including flexible cell system (FCS) under viable demands using the pair matrix table by the lot size and the number of stations and select the efficient assembly systems on demand fluctuations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper sets an assembly problem of the respective models for assembly line systems, autonomous cell system and FCS, and presents a comparative approach by the pair matrix table for the strategic selection. The simulators were constructed for the respective models, and the pair matrix tables with the profit and lead time were drawn and shown.

Findings

Finds that the pair matrix table by the lot size and the number of stations are applicable in the strategic selection for comparative assembly systems, and FCS, consisting of multiple self‐completion stations connected by conveyors, is stable when there are viable changes in the demand quantity and the number of stations.

Research limitations/implications

Provides an economic comparative approach for a strategic selection in assembly models with different system configurations by simulation.

Practical implications

The approach proposed in this paper will provide a strategic selection quantitatively with system managers to achieve higher profit and shorter lead times under viable demands.

Originality/value

Introduces the pair matrix table by the lot size and the number of stations, and compares strategically and quantitatively the respective assembly models based on an optimal design by the two‐stage design method in view of profits and lead times under viable demands.

Citation

Yamada, T., Satomi, K. and Matsui, M. (2006), "Strategic selection of assembly systems under viable demands", Assembly Automation, Vol. 26 No. 4, pp. 335-342. https://doi.org/10.1108/01445150610705254