A BATCH SCHEDULING SCHEME FOR THE WORK-CENTER THAT SUPPLIES PARTS TO A MIXED-MODEL ASSEMBLY-LINE

The factory considered in this study consists of a mixed-model assembl y line and a workcenter. The mixed-model assembly line (main line) sim ultaneously produces different product models whose assembly parts are provided in batches by the workcenter. The main purpose of this study is to develop a batch scheduling scheme for the workcenter. The objec tive function of the scheduling is to provide parts for the main line without delays. The problems that make the scheduling challengeable ar e as follows : (1) different product models being simultaneously produ ced on the main line require different parts and (2) space for part in ventory in the workcenter is limited. This study presents two batch sc heduling approaches used to build a real system for the workcenter. (C ) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.