Journal article

Sequencing mixed-model assembly lines operating with a heterogeneous workforce

Pamela MC Cortez, Alysson M Costa

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH | TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD | Published : 2015

Abstract

We study the problem of sequencing mixed-model assembly lines operating with a heterogeneous workforce. The practical motivation for this study comes from the context of managing assembly lines in sheltered work centres for the disabled. We propose a general framework in which task execution times are both worker and model dependent. Within this framework, the problem is defined and mathematical mixed-integer models and heuristic procedures are proposed. These include a set of fast constructive heuristics, two local search procedures based on approximate measures using either a solution upper bound or the solution of a linear program and a GRASP metaheuristic. Computational tests with instan..

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Funding Acknowledgements

The authors thank two anonymous referees and the Associated Editor for their thoughtful comments which have helped improve both the presentation and the content of this article. The authors also thank FAPESP - Brazil, for the financial support.