Assembly line balancing in a mixed-model sequencing environment with synchronous transfers

We consider the assembly line balancing problem in a mixed-model line which is operated under a cyclic sequencing approach. We specifically study the problem in an assembly line environment with synchronous transfer of parts between the stations. We formulate the assembly line balancing problem with the objective of minimizing total cycle time by incorporating the cyclic sequencing information. We show that the solution of a mathematical model that combines multiple models into a single one by adding up operation times constitutes a lower bound for this formulation. As an approximate solution to the original problem, we propose an alternative formulation that suggests to minimize the maximum subcycle time. We also develop a simple heuristic approach for this alternative problem. We provide computational results that compare the various approaches we discuss. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.