2863. Tactical decision support model for part feeding in flexible assembly lines
Invited abstract in session MC-28: Manufacturing and Industrial Decision Support, stream Decision Support Systems.
Monday, 12:30-14:00Room: Maurice Keyworth 1.03
Authors (first author is the speaker)
| 1. | Gohar Porbar
|
| Industrial Systems Engineering, Ghent University | |
| 2. | Emmanouil Thanos
|
| Ghent University | |
| 3. | Veronique Limère
|
| Business Informatics and Operations Management, Ghent University | |
| 4. | El-Houssaine Aghezzaf
|
| Industrial Management, Ghent University |
Abstract
In the current competitive market, the growing demand for customized products requires manufacturers to produce a wide range of product variants. Mixed-model assembly lines allow these product variants to be assembled on the same line. However, limited Border of Line (BoL) space makes storing large quantities of parts impractical. To address this constraint, manufacturers use various part-feeding policies. The BoL space usage can be reduced by grouping and repackaging parts into smaller containers; however, this increases logistics costs.
We look at five part-feeding policies: Line Stocking (full pallets at the BoL), Boxed Supply (repackaging parts into smaller boxes), Sequencing (presenting parts in assembly order), Stationary Kitting and Traveling Kitting (grouping parts required for a single product). Depending on its characteristics and demand, each part can be assigned to a feeding policy. These policy assignments impact space utilization, material flow, logistics and operational costs.
Our research proposes an exact solution approach to optimize policy assignments while minimizing logistics costs. The developed MIP formulation accounts for real-world constraints, including vehicle fleet, fixed layout, preparation cell sizes and limited BoL space. The model is validated using a variety of real-world instances. By integrating real-world constraints, this model serves as a decision-support tool to help manufacturers in making better informed part-feeding decisions.
Keywords
- Decision Support Systems
- Manufacturing
- Strategic Planning and Management
Status: accepted
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