Mixed-model assembly lines have been recognized as a major enabler to handle product variety. However, the assembly process becomes very complex when the number of product variants is high, which, in turn, may impact the system performance (quality and productivity). The paper considers the variety induced manufacturing complexity in manual, mixed-model assembly lines where operators have to make choices for various assembly activities. A complexity measure called “Operator Choice Complexity” (OCC) is proposed to quantify human performance of making the choices. The OCC takes an analytical form as an information-theoretic entropy measure of the average randomness in a choice process. Meanwhile, empirical evidences are provided to support the proposed complexity measure. Based on the OCC, models are developed to evaluate the complexity at each station, and for the entire assembly line. Consequently, complexity can be minimized by making systems design and operation decisions, such as error-proof strategies and assembly sequence planning.
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ASME 2006 International Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference
October 8–11, 2006
Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Manufacturing Engineering Division
ISBN:
0-7918-4762-4
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Modeling of Manufacturing Complexity in Mixed-Model Assembly Lines Available to Purchase
Xiaowei Zhu,
Xiaowei Zhu
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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S. Jack Hu,
S. Jack Hu
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Yoram Koren,
Yoram Koren
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Samuel P. Marin
Samuel P. Marin
General Motors R&D Center, Warren, MI
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Xiaowei Zhu
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
S. Jack Hu
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Yoram Koren
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Samuel P. Marin
General Motors R&D Center, Warren, MI
Paper No:
MSEC2006-21078, pp. 649-659; 11 pages
Published Online:
October 2, 2008
Citation
Zhu, X, Hu, SJ, Koren, Y, & Marin, SP. "Modeling of Manufacturing Complexity in Mixed-Model Assembly Lines." Proceedings of the ASME 2006 International Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference. Manufacturing Science and Engineering, Parts A and B. Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA. October 8–11, 2006. pp. 649-659. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/MSEC2006-21078
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