Mixed-Model Assembly Line Sequencing Optimization Based on Workstation Overload Analysis

Reasonable task sequencing will be benefit for both productivity and industry energy saving. Mixed-model products assembly sequencing of mass customization manufacturing systems significantly affects material requirements, order delivery time, and manufacturing cost. A new approach for products sequencing of mixed model assembly line (MMAL) according to workstations overload analysis based on historical production data is proposed to obtain the optimized assembly sequence with the objectives of minimizing consumption waviness of each material, assembly line setup cost, and order delivery time. It will be efficient to cut down the assembly line blockage time, improve the assembly productivity, and save industry energy. A multi-objective optimization algorithm based on particle swarm is developed. An industrial case study has been performed in order to demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed approach.